Millions to be spent on Wakefield district markets and extra shopping days confirmed for run-up to Christmas

A £4.8m improvement programme is ongoing across all markets in Wakefield, Ossett, Pontefract, Castleford, Normanton and South Elmsall.
Butcher Ian Wandless at Castleford MarketButcher Ian Wandless at Castleford Market
Butcher Ian Wandless at Castleford Market

To make it even more convenient for shoppers in the run up to Christmas, Wakefield Council is supporting additional trading days across all our markets, including Sunday, December 20.

A schedule of all opening times is available on the council’s website.

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Although Covid means there are restrictions on holding Christmas events, the decorations are now up in the halls across all the markets and the traders have also been trimming their stalls.

In addition, Pontefract Market has a memory tree so that people can hang messages to loved ones that are no longer with us.

Traders in Wakefield are now operating from branded gazebos and, as the traders adjust to a new way of working, the council has provided a grant.

Coun Darren Byford, cabinet member for economic growth and regeneration, said: “We are very pleased to welcome customers and traders to our fantastic markets.

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“The new gazebos are part of our long terms plans to invest £4.8m to support the long term future of our markets which are great places to visit, offering a big choice and variety of goods and produce.

“It is important that we all shop local and support traders in our district, now and in the future, as they provide such an important service to residents and communities. Markets are safe places to visit and we’d remind everyone to follow the latest government guidance.”