Hundreds of people flocked to a popular market within hours of it reopening in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
A number of traders returned to Wolverhampton's markets this morning (Saturday, May 9) as the city took the "first cautious step" on the journey to "the new normal".
It was the first time the City of Wolverhampton Council markets in Bilston, Wednesfield and the city centre had opened since the beginning of lockdown - and more than 700 shoppers had already descended on the city centre market before midday, with many more expected by the end of the day.
Coun Steve Evans, Wolverhampton's cabinet member for city environment, said strict measures were in place to ensure social distancing, including a separate entrance and exit.
He continued: "It's nice to see the local economy getting back on it's feet. The traders have come selling fruit, meat, poultry and fresh goods.
"I think this is a positive step. It is cautious, it is the first step and it does have to be managed properly.
"We will review it over the next few weeks and hopefully we can move to a second phase where we will be selling extra goods but of course, we can always scale back if we have to.
"Safety is our first priority for the staff and for the public but we believe what we have set up here now is actually, as good - if not better - than the supermarkets."
Coun Evans added: "I think we've all recognised now that we have to queue and social distance outside supermarkets but inside can be very different.
"Here at our markets, we've got staff making sure that we follow the the one-way system and that people observe the most physical social distancing rules."
The second phase of reopening will see traders of takeaway food, mobile phone, vapes, and key cutting/shoe repair return to the market, with the third stage seeing the markets open fully.
