FLINTSHIRE Council has cancelled its weekly car boot sale, but says that town markets remain open for business.

In line with the Governments advice, the Car Boot Sale which usually takes place at Mold’s Love Lane on Sunday’s has been cancelled until further notice.

With regards to the markets, a council spokesman said: “Mold Market (Outdoor and Indoor) will still be open but only with a limited number of stalls selling only essential items. The indoor market traders that will be open are Wild Bird and Pet and A Fish Artist from Fleetwood.

“Please note that you should not attend the market unless you absolutely need to and please follow the government advice.”

Guidance includes staying two metres (six foot) away from other people, washing hands frequently and only going outside for food, health reasons or essential work that cannot otherwise be completed at home.

Government guidance was tightened up on Monday evening when UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced to the nation that all shops selling non-essential goods, such as clothing and electronic, were to close with immediate effect.

The Leader has this week reported how market traders in Mold defended their decision to continue trading amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19 at the weekly meet but Flintshire Council said it intends to keep the county's markets "operational as long as possible".

Holywell’s market recently relaunched for the year with its biggest turnout of stalls in three decades.

A spokesman for the Holywell Community Market group, which is held every Thursday, told the Leader that they would continue to go ahead as usual, but also restrict themselves to essential traders only - which are said to include the meat and fresh fish stall as a minimum - and adhere to government advice on social distancing and hand washing.

In a social media post, it was said that rent for stall holders would be free and nobody would be charged for not turning up.