A ROW over the closure of the food stalls at Leigh market has continued as MP James Grundy has written another letter to Wigan Council asking questions over the venue reopening.

The Journal previously reported after Wigan Council closed the market after the Government’s lockdown measures came into force when Leigh MP James Grundy called for “essential food stalls” to reopen.

However, the council stood by its decision to close the market and despite other markets being reopened in recent weeks, Leigh Market is to remain closed.

In a further letter to the council, Mr Grundy added: “The Government has now issued new guidance regarding the reopening of non-essential shops, including indoor markets, from the 15th June, and some of Leigh Market’s stallholders have contacted me outlining their desire to reopen as soon as possible. Therefore, I would be grateful if you could now provide a response to the questions I raised in my letter last month.

“1. Will there be a full opening or phased opening of the market and if so, will food stalls be opened as a matter of priority?

“ 2. What plans are there to work with stallholders to put appropriate social distancing measures in place upon reopening the market?

"3. Will staff be assigned to the market to help control numbers and ensure social distancing measures are adhered to?

“Given this is a time sensitive issue, I would be grateful for a prompt response on this matter, so that I can provide reassurance to both Leigh Market’s stallholders and my constituents that all options are being explored to enable the prompt and safe reopening of our fantastic market.”