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05
Nov 2020
Empty Ripon market reveals a city in lockdown
The sparse number of stalls on Ripon market this morning told its own story of a city that had woken up to day one of covid lockdown two.
Traders selling non-essential goods cannot work again at the market for at least four weeks — adding to the 11 weeks of lost business caused by the first lockdown from March until June.
Sonya Johnson, who would normally have been at Ripon market today with her female accessories stall, said:
Read more:
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Non-essential shops attempted to maximise sales yesterday in the final few hours before lockdown.
So did salons and barbers, which stayed open late for customers desperate to get a trim.
Wetherspoon's Unicorn Hotel - the largest pub in Ripon - offered its real ales at 99 pence a pint before it closed.
Cafes and restaurants served their last November customers in the hope they will be back in early December.
No takeaways
Oliver's Pantry in Fishergate kept its head above water during the first lockdown by introducing a limited takeaway service, but is not doing the same this time.
Lou Grant, joint owner of the business with husband Tim, said:
A sign in the cafe's window this morning sent a simple message to all of Ripon's businesses - 'Don't quit.'
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