SKIPTON’S former market arrangement with stalls facing the road and the high street closed to traffic will resume from Wednesday after current lockdown restrictions are lifted on December 2.

Craven, along with the rest of North Yorkshire and York, has been placed in ‘high alert’ Tier 2 following the lifting.

In the past month, only food stalls have been in operation on the market and the road remained open to vehicles.

The new measures mean shops and leisure centres can reopen, however, a number of restrictions will still be in place.

Pubs and bars must remain closed, unless they are serving substantial meals and are required to provide table service only if they sell alcohol, and must close between 11pm and 5am.

Indoor household mixing is still banned and you must not socialise in a group of more than six people outside, including in a garden or a public space.

Councillor Richard Foster, Leader of Craven District Council, said: “I would like to thank all residents for doing their bit to reduce the rates of Covid-19 in our district.

“While rates of infection are now dropping, unfortunately across the whole of North Yorkshire and York, rates and hospital admissions with Covid-19 are still too high, and this is reflected in the Government’s decision to place the whole area into Tier 2.

“The Government has said today that the tiers will be reassessed on December 10 and any changes implemented on December 16. For us to drop into Tier 1 and get the additional freedoms that go with that we must continue to show improvement.

“So let’s keep up the good work, follow the guidelines, and let’s get Craven to Tier 1 as soon as possible.

“We know only too well that many of our local businesses will continue to struggle under these restrictions and we are working hard to help those in need. Please also support local businesses safely where you can – they need your custom.

“Please continue to follow the restrictions – stay apart from other households, wash your hands, and wear a face covering. If you have Covid-19 symptoms, self-isolate and get a test. And if you test positive for Covid-19, please self-isolate for the full 10 days.”

Craven Leisure will be able to reopen, but swimming lessons will not resume until after the New Year. A new timetable is in place.

Also able to reopen is Skipton’s information and visitor centre with normal hours resuming on Mondays to Saturdays, 9.30am to 4pm, along with Settle’s Tourist Information Centre on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm.

The district council’s Customer Services reception will be reopening between 9am and 1pm, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 9.15am to 1pm on Thursdays.

Council and committee meetings will continue to operate remotely.

The council is in regular contact with Public Health England to ensure the very latest guidance is communicated and implemented, as the situation continues to develop.

Full details of the restrictions for the area can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know

The council is also reminding businesses of two grant schemes it is running. Details at: www.cravendc.gov.uk/coronavirus