Poulton market stalls continue to trade amid coronavirus pandemic

Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the public to remain two metres apart to tackle the spread of Covid-19, or self-isolate if they are elderly or suffer from other health conditions.

Many business premises were instructed to close, with eateries across the Fylde coast opting to offer delivery services in a bid to protect customers during the pandemic.

But Wyre council defended its decision to allow market stalls to pitch up in Poulton today, and said it was "following all government guidelines regarding social distancing outside."

On Twitter, Andy Smith said: "Is it a wise decision for Poulton-le-Fylde market to be going ahead as normal today? It encourages people to go out and mix unnecessarily.

"Our actions today will affect hospital beds in 14 days time."

Sophie Gorner said: "Looks like people up north don't care about corona.

"Poulton-le-fylde's Monday market is still on, the stall holders all come from out of town.

"These need to be stopped."

In response to the concerns, a spokesman for Wyre council said: "We have spread the stalls at Poulton Market out and there are only eight traders there today.

""We are following all government guidelines regarding social distancing outside.

"Please make sure you do the same, staying two metres apart from others at all times.

"We will continue to review the situation following the latest advice."