Traders adjust to the 'new normal' as Fareham market reopens with fewer stalls

Fareham market, which takes place from 9am to 3pm every Monday in West Street, Fareham, saw fewer stalls in place due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

Market manager Mike Jones, who runs the event, said: ‘About half a dozen stalls have decided to come down. They are worried – a few have concerns because of family members.

‘But we have had a few new stalls come and try out the market.’

The businessman, who has helped run the market for the last three years, said footfall had remained ‘pretty strong’.

He said: ‘It’s about same as a usual Monday.

‘I didn’t expect it to be this good. I think people just want to get out the house – they have been stuck indoors, and they are fed up with the lockdown.’

There were still concerns about how social distancing would work if the high street becomes busier, according to Chris Edginton, a butcher with KCD Farm Food.

He said: ‘What I’m worried about is where people will queue when shops open. It’s going to be very hard to manage it.

‘What I miss as a market butcher is being on the microphone, getting a crowd together. We can’t build a crowd any more.’

One shopper, Carol Partlett, said she already did not feel safe due to the number of people not practising safe social distancing.

She said: ‘I don’t feel safe. There is too many people and people are not following social distancing. People are a bit blase about it.’

The 73-year-old has been isolating at home in Titchfield, and came into Fareham centre for essential shopping.

She added: ‘I take autoimmune medication – I have to take this very seriously.’

But other shoppers said it was ‘wonderful’ to see the market return to the high street.

Douglas Mintey, from Locks Heath, said: ‘It’s really nice to see so many people out – it’s wonderful.

‘People are being sensible. For the sake of the economy, they have to get people shopping again.’

Gosport outdoor market, which runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is due to return tomorrow.

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