A market stall in Seven Sisters Road that has been ordered to close

• I WAS disappointed by Islington’s explanation as to why it has put a blanket ban on market stalls: “The health of our residents is a top priority for the council, and we are working hard to limit the spread of coronavirus.

“When we reviewed the government’s guidance regarding social distancing, we reluctantly took the decision to close all street trading across the borough until further notice.”

If it is for social distancing reasons, supermarkets and grocers struggle just as much to enforce this.

How many of you have been trying to keep two metres away from other people in a shop recently, only to have someone brush past you?

It’s difficult to see how a well-managed market stall can be deemed a higher risk than a supermarket with narrow aisles, multiple fridge door handles, and touch-screen tills.

Market stalls have different supply chains from supermarkets, so products that are in short supply in a supermarket may be found in plenty on a stall, allowing shoppers to find fresh food more easily.

Some markets, such as the Islington Farmers’ Market, have offered to provide their own stewards to enforce social distancing.

I hope that the council will review the situation and scrap its blanket ban on market stalls. If not it should provide a better explanation as to why they are shut.

KATH POLLARD
Islington Liberal Democrats