THE manager of Oswestry Market described Wednesday as ‘a big day’ as traders returned to town for the first time since restrictions were eased.

Market traders were blessed with sunshine and support as the first market day of 2021 welcomed a high volume of shoppers to the town centre.

David Clough, retail markets and events manager for Oswestry Town Council, was delighted to see the support given to traders as they returned to town.

He said: “It felt like a big day overall.

“The sun was shining which helped, and it was very positive to see lots of support from customers.

“There wasn’t just support for the market traders, but for the cafés too in the street.

“Everyone had a good day and I think they were just really excited to get back to trading again.

“It’s what they do, and it has been a very difficult time. They were all glad to be back and to be able to see their customers again.”

Wednesday marked the first market day since the April 12 milestone in the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, which allowed non-essential retail to reopen.

Mr Clough hopes the support shown on Wednesday will continue for traders over the coming months.

He said: “I think it’s important that the support isn’t just here short-term.

“A lot of the businesses in the town and the market need consistent support as it is still a difficult time.

“There is still the fear of another lockdown in the future, so the support is important to these businesses and individuals to enable them to make money.”

Oswestry Market is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information visit www.oswestrymarket.co.uk or go to Oswestry Town Market on Facebook.