MARKET traders are welcoming back customers in Urmston after the lockdown.

Stallholders undertook a trial run last Saturday which was said to have been well attended.

And now there are plans for further markets for the next three Saturdays at the Railway Road site.

Pop-up stalls there are all Covid-compliant, say organisers Gemma Marshall, from Gems Delicious Treats, and Mark Rackham from The Barking Dog.

Any local traders interested in a stall on the forthcoming markets are invited to contact Gemma on 07873 297590.

The pairing felt people in Urmston would welcome the chance to support local traders and reignite the retail and hospitality sector by attending a "well organised, socially distanced and Covid-compliant market to enjoy a bite to eat and drink and a bit of shopping during the summer months".

Gemma added: "We had originally planned to host a pop up market on the M41 site earlier this year, but it was cancelled due to lockdown.

"I always have such a great response to pop-up markets, both from local traders, many of whom do not have a shop front, and local residents.

“Saturday was a huge success and it was super to see so many people enjoying the event. We really hope more people will come out and show their support over the next three weeks.”

Mark said: “We followed Government guidelines closely in the development of the market and are confident that the format works well to ensure everyone can enjoy the event fully without any concerns about overcrowding or personal space.

"We really hope that these events enable local traders to get back up and running again in safe and well managed open air environment.”

Promoters say they have worked closely with Trafford Council to ensure pop-ups comply fully with current Covid-19 guidelines.

Trader stalls and gazebos are carefully positioned two metres apart, there is a two metre distance between dining and seating areas and a one-way system with two metre floor markers is in operation to ensure appropriate social distancing.

Numbers in and out of the markets were also carefully managed to ensure the designated maximum capacity for the site was never exceeded and everyone had enough space to enjoy the event safely.

The McGoff Group says it was happy to support the initiative by providing the Market 41 site free of charge for the events.

Paul Danks, their business development director, said: “We are pleased to be able to provide the Market 41 site for the pop-up community markets and wish the events every success.

"As an Urmston resident myself, I’m looking forward to dropping in."