Market remains closed

SEVERE weather conditions and gritting restrictions forced the outdoor Tommyfield Market to remain shut today, following on from Saturday’s closure.

The ground surrounding stalls is covered in snow and ice and has been deemed hazardous for both traders and shoppers.

Traders in the brick units and the indoor market at Tommyfield are unaffected.

Snow and ice on the market ground can only be removed manually as vehicles cannot manoeuvre between the stalls.

Grit would have to be spread by hand but the council has deemed this too time-consuming and would also use significantly more grit at a time when stocks must be conserved.

A council spokesman said: “The priority for grit supplies is to keep primary routes open and ensure that the transportation of crucial goods and access for the emergency services is assured.”