The remaining stalls at Watford Market are preparing for a phased reopening, as outdoor markets can reopen in June.

Boris Johnson announced on Monday (May 25) that outdoor markets and car showrooms would be among the establishments that can reopen by June 1.

However, parts of Watford Market have remained open within the lockdown as they were classed as “essential”.

The original government guidance said that outdoor markets can only remain open for the sale of food, while indoor markets can only sell household goods, hardware supplies, bicycles, pet supplies, flowers and plants or operate as a newsagent.

The Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor has explained that there have been safety precautions made for the indoor section of the market, including limiting the numbers of stalls and ensuring customers queue and keep a distance.

The current stalls open include Aylesbury Fisheries, which the Mayor has called “extremely popular” and “essential”.

While parts of the market have remained open, the council is preparing a phased reopening of more stalls, following the latest government guidance that outdoor markets can reopen in June.

This means that the entire outdoor market will not fully return by June 1, but throughout the month the market may slowly return to normal.

Mr Taylor said: “As we ease out of lockdown and the town centre re-opens, we are working with the operator and the traders to see how we can manage a phased reopening of some additional stalls.

“We are making sure the market operator is prioritising safety by limiting numbers in the indoor market and ensuring people queue and keep their distance.”

The Mayor added: “We know people are eager to return to the High Street, but our main concern is keeping everyone as healthy and safe as possible so as not risk another spike in coronavirus cases in our town.

“We urge everyone who will be coming back into our town centre to stay safe and consider others.”

When announcing the reopening of outdoor markets, Mr Johnson said: “We know that the transmission of the virus is lower outdoors and that it is easier to follow Covid secure guidelines in open spaces.

“That means we can also allow outdoor markets to reopen in a safe way that does not risk causing a second wave of the virus.”