How the Coronavirus has affected Freeman Street Market.

The local heroes who continue to supply vulnerable people with fresh food delivered to their door.

Local customers have looked to support local businesses as they struggle to survive the virus.

Due to the coronavirus many of the traders at Freeman Street Market have unfortunately closed their stalls until further notice. Only essential businesses remain open including the butchers and the green grocers.

While it seems that Freeman Street Market are facing a hurdle when aiming to generate footfall for a collection of small businesses, high-spirited customers continue to support their local businesses and have been quick to praise the efforts of those who continue to supply the community with fresh produce and those who are working to ensure the market can remain open, in spite of putting themselves at risk. Traders are doing everything they can to stop the spread of the virus, by following government guidelines and urging customers to use contactless payments where possible. Traders are urging customers to follow the advice on social distancing.

Customers praised the markets effort saying, “Thanks for staying open to keep supplies of food coming for us all and thanks to the cleaning staff for working to keep it clean and safe as possible. It must be hard for you all right now and you should be shown more appreciation than you are getting right now.”

“Well done to everyone, your efforts are much appreciated.” Said one customer.

Although many of the stalls are unable to, select traders are delivering their products to vulnerable people in North East Lincolnshire. Deliveries include homemade dinners from The Vine Café, quality meat packs, fresh fruit and vegetable boxes and delicious tasty treats from The Baker’s Mill, Pie-o-neers, Beast Burger and more.

Many of the traders at Freeman Street Market are showing their gratitude to the NHS and offering what they can as a small gesture of kindness. Joella’s announced they are going to select 30 NHS workers at random to receive Chicken Schnitzel Meals absolutely free of charge to be delivered on Saturday 25th April. They said, “Thank you NHS, not only from Joella’s but from everybody!” Beast Burger have also decided to do an NHS delivery night completely free for any front line NHS staff. Their menu includes The Beast Burger, The Baby Beast and Salted Fries. Beast Burger thanked everyone who donated in order to make the delivery night possible and they also thanked the NHS staff for their hard work.

C Snow butchers thanked all of their customers on Facebook urging people to support their local market. “You are a part of your local market… You can make that long-term difference… Let’s support your local green grocers, bakers, fishmongers, hardware stores, farm shops and of course your local butchers. We wish you all love, stay safe and we look forward to seeing you all again very soon.”

In light of current events The Enrolled Freemen of Grimsby have decided to generously offer the traders a discount on rent for a month in efforts to help the small businesses who are facing such difficult times. The traders who have unfortunately had to close their stalls have received 100% reduction and essential stalls that remain open will also receive a 50% reduction on rent for a month and this will e reviewed again at a later date. Freeman Street Market have thanked customers for continuing to support their local market and following the government guidelines on social distancing when visiting. The market will remain open 5 days a week with the essential businesses until further notice, opening times will vary, details can be found on the Freeman Street Market website.