OUTDOOR markets will reopen in Ryedale from Monday.

Ryedale District Council says the markets in Pickering and Helmsley will be able to reopen, with social distancing measures in place. Pickering from Monday and Helmsley from Friday.

Cllr Keane Duncan, leader of Ryedale District Council said: “We want to reassure our citizens and market traders that we’ve been doing what we can to make sure that our markets can reopen safely.

"We understand that some citizens may feel nervous about the amount of people visiting the markets, and at the same time, know the importance the markets have on the district’s economic recovery. If you’re visiting the markets, please do so safely."

Ryedale District Council officers will be at each market, to keep an eye and listen to any concerns. Banners will be on display and ‘maximum amount of customers’ posters have been produced for each individual market stall, to remind people to ‘protect each other, protect Ryedale’.

Pavement stencilling is also being placed in areas of heavy footfall, marking out 2m safe distances. The stencilling is in environmentally-friendly chalk.

The Pickering market reopens on Monday, June 8:

• Pickering Market Place will be closed on Mondays as normal to traffic – allowing access for deliveries and emergency vehicles only.

• The current frontage of the stalls will be pushed back by one metre to comply with the Government guidance regarding 2m social distancing.

• Barriers will be placed at the rear of the stalls, to ensure the safety of the stallholders.

• Hand sanitising station will be available for use at the top and bottom of the Market Place.

• On the day of reopening, Council staff will be on site throughout the day to encourage social distancing and to answer any questions the public or stall holders may have.

• Ropery Car Park Toilets will be open.

• Signage will be placed on the barriers and in other suitable areas to encourage social distancing and hand cleaning.

• Yellow hazard tape and signage will be put up where the curb drops, to alert shoppers of the slight step down.

The Helmsley Market reopens on Friday, June 12:

• As per normal, it will take place in the square.

• Each stall will be well spaced out to allow social distancing.

• Barriers will be in place with signage attached to encourage social distancing.

• Hand sanitising stations will be on site, with posters on that encourage hand sanitising.

• On the day of reopening, Council staff will be on site throughout the day to encourage social distancing and to answer any questions the public or stall holders may have.

• Ryedale District Council public toilets will open.

• Signage will be placed on the barriers and in other suitable areas to encourage social distancing.