More stalls are to pitch up at the newly reopened Deal Market on Saturday.

The management body at Deal Town Council is boosting numbers while continuing with the safety measures it put in place so the market could reopen for the first time since lockdown three weeks ago.

Drawn up to ensure the safety of shoppers and staff, the authority allowed a reduced number of stall holders to return.

These were spaced out more than before, over two instead of one parking spaces at the Union Road car park - allowing for the recommended social distancing.

The traders who returned were mainly food sellers. Vendors providing cooked food could only offer a take-away service.

From the date it reopened - July 18 - security staff were present managing one entry/exit point at Duke Street with a hand sanitising station.

But now market manager Chris Hobbs-East said they will trial a reopening of the Union Road entry point to allow ease of access to those visiting from main precinct.

Mr Hobbs-East added: “Since we re-opened there have been over 1,400 visitors each week to the market.

"It will be great to have a wider selection of stalls for the people of Deal and visitors to enjoy.

"We started slowly but as long as it is safe to do so we will be gradually reintroducing more stalls until the market is back to its full capacity.

"We will also be trialling having the entrance and exit at the Union Road end to make it easier to enter from the High Street.

"I would like to thank the traders and public for their continued support throughout this time."

Deal Town Council has been asked to confirm how many stalls there will be.

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