Leek Outdoor Charter Market closes due to high winds

The first outdoor market of the year in a Staffordshire Moorlands town has been cancelled due to high winds.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council said it had cancelled Leek Outdoor Charter Market on health and safety grounds.

The Indoor Trestle Market and Victorian Butter market are unaffected.

The council said the 35 to 40 stallholders in Market Place were used to being out in all weathers and it was rare to cancel the outdoor market.

Market days are held in Leek on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Councillor Andrew Hart said: "Although the outdoor market has been cancelled because of snow from time to time over the years, I can't recall an occasion when high winds have required its cancellation.

"While we recognise the importance of the 800-year-old charter market to the local economy, we cannot compromise the health and safety of shoppers or traders."