THE opening of the new Warrington Market has been delayed by three weeks.

Traders were gearing up to open in their new £11million home on Monday.

But that has been pushed back until July 6 the council confirmed this afternoon, Tuesday.

The temporary market, which closed on Saturday to give traders time to move, will not reopen.

FIRST LOOK >> Pictures of new Warrington Market

A spokesman said the disruption and difficulties caused by coronavirus cannot be underestimated.

He also stated that, despite best efforts, unforeseen circumstances brought about by the pandemic mean that the market will not be able to be opened safely next week.

"Some of our traders, who were hoping to open next week, have been affected by supply chain issues, as has the wider market," he added.

"Delays out of our control in receiving goods and equipment to ensure the market is ‘Covid secure’ mean that we have no alternative but to postpone opening.

"The temporary market building has now been vacated and it would not be feasible for traders to return in the interim period.

"We have a legal duty to ensure that our shoppers, traders and staff are safe and as protected from the virus as possible. This has and always will be our priority.

"We can’t afford to take any risks if we don’t have absolute confidence that our customers and traders can use the new market safely.

"We understand this decision will be disappointing news for many, but we cannot in good conscience consider opening a building that we don’t consider ‘Covid secure’.

"We will be working hard over the next three weeks on opening the new Warrington Market to our customers on Monday 6 July, with the guarantee that we have done everything possible to make it a safe and stress-free shopping experience."