MARKET traders have defended their decision to continue trading amid concerns about coronavirus.

The Leader reported last week how Flintshire Council confirmed its intention to keep the county's markets "operational as long as possible".

A spokesman said however that the council will respond to "evolving legislation" and guidance from health authorities and government.

The news received a mixed response from readers on The Leader's Facebook page - some raising concerns about the spread of coronavirus, some coming to the defence of the traders.

Lee Chamberlain posted: "No one has told them otherwise, I'm going to work tomorrow cos I'm self employed. Who will pay my bills otherwise? Market stalls are the same."

Judith Jones said: "If we keep doing this, we’ll be in total lock down sooner than expected."

Hazel Piggott said: "It is a valuable service and in the open air - possibly preferable to entering a shop. Although a shop does allow you to pay contactless."

Katharine Voice said: "This is ridiculous. Open air doesn't stop the virus spreading, staying at home does."

Richard Hogg said: "How is this any different to a supermarket or any other shop for that matter?

"The key here is to observe the two metre social distancing - which you can’t realistically do in any shopping environment. So a market is no better or worse than any other shop."

On Saturday, the Mold Market Facebook page - which is run by market traders - put out a statement setting out their position on the matter.

It read: "There has been some negativity on this page concerning whether the market should go ahead or not.

"We appreciate all the opinions and they are mixed between traders too but as we are self employed we have to make tough decisions.

"As of yet there is no support on offer for us and we have rent, mortgages and kids to feed too.

"As of yet markets have not been banned, they are not social gatherings and not really large gatherings as the population is constantly moving.

"We feel it is safer than busy supermarkets, there are no queues, trolleys, doors, tills or other close contact or touch points to worry about.

"We are aware of the dangers of the current situation and advise all customers to follow the guidelines whether in our environment or any other but those decisions are yours until we are instructed otherwise.

"The market is a vital local resource for many essentials including food where today there was bread, eggs, meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables available for all customers, all day, a feat the supermarkets are unable to achieve under the current pressures.

"We respect your opinions, we definitely respect your right to not attend but please respect our right to try and make a living and offer a service until we are instructed otherwise.

"We don’t expect everyone to agree but if we are sensible the risk is dramatically reduced.

"We are not encouraging anyone to come out if they don’t need to.

"Even in the event of a ‘lockdown’ we will still need to eat, shop and get fresh air, just do it with common sense and shopping locally is a great start.

"Please everyone stay a safe distance, wash your hands, avoid unnecessary contact and follow the instructions from the health professionals.

"We are all in this together and need to maintain our communities the best way we can."

Flintshire Council has been approached by the Leader for a comment.