Organisers of Macclesfield's Treacle Market have delayed its return until next month, saying it would be "too premature" to hold the popular event next weekend.

It has been over three months since the market was last held in the run-up to Christmas, where stallholders were selling "essentials only" to help reduce crowds.

Jane Munro, one of the organisers, said: "We would like to see the roll-out of the vaccine reaching more people and Covid numbers fall further".

It is hoped a "modest market" can return to the town centre on Sunday 25 April with plans to expand over the coming months in line with the government's road map out of lockdown.

Jane says she is working with the council's Risk Assessor to take the "necessary steps" to keep the public and traders safe at the market when it returns.

"Importantly, it will provide many small traders with a much-need opportunity to do some business in what has been a terrible year for them financially," she added.

The organisers have requested that people who attend the market in April abide by any social distancing rules in place.

Jane added: "We are all too aware of the profound impact of Covid on our town centre and are keen to remind people of another reason to shop there, peel away from online shopping and spend their money in their locale and help the town get back on its feet."

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