THE weekly Monday market in Christchurch went ahead as normal with residents taking the opportunity to stock up on grocery essentials.

While further calls were made by the government and council leaders to stay at home unless absolutely necessary, scores of residents visited the town centre where they were greeted by a selection of established traders.

The majority of traders were offering products like fruit and vegetables and meat.

Mayor of Christchurch Lesley Dedman said: “Although I applaud the initiative of the stall holders coming out this Monday, I am concerned for the safety of our many older and vulnerable residents. I know many Christchurch residents rely on our Monday market for their fresh meat and vegetables, but I sincerely hope that they are fulfilling the guidelines from the NHS and government, which have been made very clear. The important thing at the market – and in any shop - is to keep a distance from each other. This is an incredibly serious situation, and we must all do our bit to prevent the spread of Covid-19 where possible.

“I am pleased to say that many people in Christchurch are shopping for others in their community who are in the vulnerable category, so that they do not have to go out at all.”

Resident Ann Dow, 78, from Mudeford, said she went to the market for fruit and vegetables. She said “I think it is safer to come to the market than go to Sainsbury’s.

“I was pleased the market was on. I usually go for a coffee but I have got my own coffee, so I am going to go out with the dog and sit down for a coffee at a safe distance from everyone.”

Darrell Pike, who has been running Woodys Event Catering for three years, had his van at the market.

He said: “My whole point of being here is because we don’t know what is going to happen to self-employment. We are here financially.

“I could not believe the market was going ahead. When we have had customers we have tried to keep them separated and do our best. It was busy early on in the morning but it went really quiet.

“My wife has been on the phone about universal credit, trying to find out if we can get support.”

Taran Catley, of Catley Chilled Foods, said customer numbers had been down but it was positive to be serving the community with essentials. He said: “People have been sensible, we have been making them keep their distance and going about their business safely.

“I think everyone used their brains this morning and only come out if they have needed to and we provide essentials.

“I think the government are doing a fantastic job. You are always going to get people that needle them but at the moment I think they are doing everything they can. Business selling fresh foods and chilled goods is going to be tough but we all have to try and be positive.”

In high street banks and key stores that have remained opened, customers could be seen queuing with clear distances between each person. For Nationwide, this saw a queue snake out across the road, which was closed for the market.

A resident using the market said: “There is not a lot here but the stalls still look fairly busy.

“It doesn’t surprise me because people have still got to buy fruit and veg and a lot of the stores haven’t had it.

“It has not been like it normally is.

“They are saying lockdown but people still need to get their groceries – that is the only reason I have come here.”