CORONAVIRUS: Council sets up virtual market to help businesses in run up to critical Christmas period

The current lockdown, set to continue until at least December 2, meant that plans for a Christmas Market and lights switch on event at the end of November have had to be scrapped.

So the council has acted to try and help businesses hit in the run up to the festive season by supporting an online offering.

Councillor Tracey Abbott, portfolio holder for town centre services, said: "With lots of usual Christmas markets and events cancelled this year over Lincolnshire as a whole, small businesses may be negatively affected.

"To help overcome this, we’ve moved the usual fun filled events online! This way customers can still shop and browse, retailers can still sell and advertise, but this time from the comfort of their own homes whilst staying safe!”

The council’s online market will allow businesses wanting to get involved to promote online sales for their good free from the safety of their own business or home.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Virtual Christmas Market should email a short description of the items they want to promote along with contact details, including a phone number if possible, and up to three photos to [email protected]