COUNCILLORS have rallied to the defence of Brampton's weekly market after a resident griped that it breached Covid-19 rules.

The issue was discussed at an online Brampton Parish Council meeting on Tuesday. 
Councillor Jenni Errington, council chairman, read out the complaint from the woman who was not named. 

The grumblings included seeing two women in front of a cake stall without masks, who were "laughing, eating cake and having a jolly good time".

Other gripes comprised of parking difficulties and queries over why was the council allowed a non essential outdoor market, whether the flower stall was essential, how far stallholders were travelling to the event, the cheese stall having "five to six people in front of it" and why the council was encouraging people to go outdoors.

They further added: "The market is making it difficult for people doing essential healthcare business because they can't get parked - why was the council flaunting the market in the face of Government advice."

The complaint also stated that it was an "absolute disgrace" and "people have said: 'we don't know how they are getting away with it'".

After reading the letter cllr Errington said: "It's as if they don't want anything to go on. 
"The market is an amazing feature that has grown from strength to strength and it's just really lovely to see.

"Every time I have been there everyone has been abiding by the rules."

Councillor John Harding said: "I was there last Wednesday, it was busy, everyone had masks on, it was sensibly controlled, there was health and safety procedures, everything was followed to the letter."

Councillor Ian Rodley said: "Staffing that market is no different to other people travelling to work."

Councillor Patricia Thomson said: "People who live by themselves can just buy a few things like bananas and you don't get the packaging."

The item will be on the agenda for the next meeting on March 30.