ROSS-ON-WYE councillors have hailed the return of normal trading at the town’s market this week.

Traders have only been operating at reduced capacity as what they can sell has been restricted to essential goods only.

But the latest easing of lockdown restrictions means Market Square will see full trading from 9am on April 15 and 17.

The town welcome back the regular traders selling fish, cheese and fresh fruit and veg plus many others who have been unable to trade during lockdown.

Councillors say it is a a great opportunity to meet the traders and shop local, which is essential for the town to recover after a long year of interrupted trading.

There will also be a Ross Spring Market next to The Bandstand in Caroline Symonds Gardens over this weekend.

The brand-new market, which has been organized by Zoom events, will run from 9am to 5pm on April 17 and 10am to 5pm on April 18.

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Ross town council tourism committee chairman Ed O’Driscoll said: “It’s been a really long year for our market traders – we’ve only been operating at reduced capacity on Thursdays for the last few months as trading has been restricted to essential goods only.

“We’re so pleased we can finally reopen to full capacity and we do hope the community comes out to support them and give them a much-needed boost so we can get our economy back on track.”

Zoom Events director Paul Kennedy said they are excited to be visiting the town for the first time.

“Our Spring Market will feature a layout which accommodates social distancing and extra sanitation measures will be in place.

“We want to create a vibrant, interesting shopping experience that is also safe for people to enjoy at this time.”

The market will feature local traders as well as those from further afield and visitors will be able to enjoy handmade street foods from around the world including pork or chicken souvlaki, fajitas, burritos, churros plus Thai and Chinese dishes.

There will be an outdoor seating area for alfresco dining with distanced tables and queuing systems for the bar and food outlets.

A range of artisan groceries from continental fine foods will be available to take away and enjoy.

The foodie treats will be accompanied by an array of stalls selling unique arts, crafts, clothing and accessories providing shoppers an opportunity to find unusual items for the home or gifts for friends and family.