Market will return after festive blip

Friday 28th December saw the town centre swarming with people searching for a bargain in the post-Christmas sales.

But they had to dodge rows of empty market stalls down Bridge Street, as market traders decided to stay at home.

The reasons, said a Bassetlaw Council spokesman, were various.

“Unfortunately Worksop Market was reduced for a number of days over the Christmas period, specifically Friday 28th and Saturday 29th December, as a large number of traders decided not to stand on these days,” he told the Guardian.

“This was mostly due to inclement weather, low footfall and traders taking annual leave.”

“High winds also posed a safety risk to traders and the public on Saturday and as such all empty stalls were taken down.”

The spokesman said the council would continue to provide a market at every available opportunity, and Worksop market would be back as normal from today (Friday 4th January).

He continued: “This is traditionally a quiet time for market traders, especially between Christmas and new year when it is difficult to source fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, fish, meats, etc, and re-stock non-perishable items as many wholesalers close for the Christmas period.”

And why wasn’t the market running on Wednesday 2nd January? Because the stalls needed putting up the night before which was New Year’s Day - a bank holiday.

“We apologise to anyone who was disappointed by these reductions,” said the spokesman.

Reactions on our Facebook page were mixed. Jayne Hancock wrote: “It’s terrible. Worksop does not have much of a selection of shops to start with. The market is good for flowers and fruit and veg. Townsfolk rely on the market especially the older folk that can’t get further afield.”

While Beverley Scott replied: “They are having some time off. I know one lady on the market who works all the hours God sends and more so she’s taking a few days to spend with her family.”