Outrage after Stockport Council cancel local Christmas markets

Stockport Council’s last minute decision to cancel three outdoor artisan markets due to Covid-19 fears has sparked outrage.

Although Greater Manchester is under Tier 3, the government rules state that outdoor markets are allowed to go ahead under these restrictions.

Stockport Council announced the cancellation of local markets in Romiley, Cheadle, and Heaton Moor – giving them less than 24 hours before they were due to go ahead last weekend. This sparked outrage among market owners, small business owners, and members of the public.

URGENT NOTICE!@StockportMBC have decided to cancel our market with less than 24 hours notice. Shame on you😡 So sorry everyone. #romiley #stockport #village #market #community #shoplocal

— RomileyVillageMarket (@RomileyMarket) December 4, 2020

Local councillors fought with the Council for the markets to go ahead, but the battle was lost. The director of Public Health Jennifer Connolly advised the Council to refuse them permission to let the markets take place. It is believed that the decision was partly made to keep the infection rates low.

The Council has since released an apologetic statement, explaining their stance about cancelling the markets. They are also offering compensation to the traders who missed out.

Please read our statement on the cancellation of Christmas markets and other events in Stockport: https://t.co/5cJohlZKDT

— Stockport Council (@StockportMBC) December 7, 2020

Not all hope is lost though, The City of Manchester will be holding a scaled-down version of its legendary Christmas Markets. The Piccadilly Gardens market is now open until December 23^rd. Whilst in St Ann’s Square, there will be a market trading over two long weekends, December 9^th-13^th, and December 16^th-20^th.

As the restrictions on Greater Manchester will be reviewed on the 16^th December, here is to hoping Santa can grant the county a Christmas wish.