In the wake of criticism levelled at Harrogate Borough Council for allowing markets to go ahead, traders setting up in Ripon this morning urged customers to act sensibly and adhere to distancing guidance given by the government.

Two fruit and vegetable stalls and Carricks fishmongers – occupying pitches yards apart - were open for business today as the only traders on Market Place.

Martin Carrick, whose family has traded at the market for 90 years, set up a hand sanitiser station for customers, while Brian Murphy, whose family has been selling fruit and vegetables on the market for more than 100 years, has put up signage and taken other measures to protect the safety of his customers.

Mr Murphy, who represents the Ripon Market Stallholders, told The Stray Ferret – “This is a crucial day and whether or not we are allowed to trade in Ripon beyond this Thursday, will depend upon how people behave.

Mr Murphy and his colleagues will also stand yards apart as they serve customers.

Mr Carrick said:

Carricks, which operates from Bedale and Snape, has seen a huge increase in demand for home delivery of its fresh fish and other seafood items. In the past week alone a team of five has delivered 250 plus orders in Ripon, Northallerton and throughout Wensleydale and Swaledale. There is no physical contact with customers as orders are made and paid for online or over the phone and deliveries are left at the door.

Yesterday, Harrogate Borough Council defended its decision to allow scaled-down markets to go ahead, pointing out that they are open air events and the few fresh food traders allowed to trade are spaced a safe distance from each other.

A council spokesperson said: “While keeping people two metres apart can be a challenge, we believe our residents can be trusted to be mindful of the current advice and respect each other and our valued independent traders.”