Shipley traders delighted to welcome back customers today

Both then town’s indoor and outdoor markets reopened today with Covid safety restrictions in place including social distancing, one-way systems and wearing masks.

Graham Preston

Graham Preston, who runs Shipley Haberdashery & Crafts Limited in Shipley Indoor Market Hall with his wife Linda, says he is happy that they have been able to reopen today.

He said: “It’s brilliant to see customers coming back in. We have been selling online and click and collect while the shop has been shut.

“Our type of business needs people to come in. It’s about the touch and seeing the colours of the fabric.

“We have just wanted to come back into it again.

“Because we have had to do things online, we have got new customers.”

Pearl Dawson

Pearl Dawson, who runs Sweet Occasions at Shipley Indoor Market, said: “It feels great to be back open, but it’s been quiet.

“It’s going to take time for people to get back to normal.

“It’s nice to get back into an old routine.”

Abdul Malik

Meanwhile, at Shipley’s Outdoor Market, traders have been busy in the sunshine with customers today.

Abdul Malik, who runs Abby’s Fruit & Veg, said: “I have been open during lockdown as I was classed as an essential business.

“I have been quite busy. It feels great to be back to a bit of normality today.

“Everybody is out and they seem to be enjoying themselves.”

Melanie Casimir

Melanie Casimir, who runs a bric-a-brac stall at Shipley Outdoor Market, said: “It’s great to be out, having a good time, seeing people and having a bit of a dance.

“It’s good for people to get out. A lot of people have been isolated.

“It’s the social side of it.”