A SEDGLEY councillor is calling on residents to shop local when lockdown restrictions for non-essential retailers are eased from tomorrow.

Councillor Shaun Keasey is encouraging people to shop in Sedgley to help aid the local economy which has been heavily impacted by Covid-19 pandemic.

His call comes after the government gave the green light for non-essential shops to open their doors from Monday, June 15, as long as stringent safety measures for staff and customers are observed.

Councillor Keasey said: "This has been a frightening and traumatic time for individuals, families and businesses.

"Many of our shops in Sedgley are independently owned and I hope that by supporting them and spending locally we can assist in their recovery and development after Covid.

"We would, of course, welcome those from further afield too. My message is shop in Sedgley!"

The Concord Market on Dudley Street has been closed since lockdown restrictions were imposed on March 23 but bosses at the popular indoor market say they will reopen the market from Tuesday, June 16.

The lockdown is first time the market has been forced close since it opened 41 years ago.

Shane Birch Bastock, who is landlord of the market, said: "All the traders have been in for the last weeks cleaning the units. All the traders have been so keen to get back open.

"We need to try and kickstart the economy in Sedgley."

Safety measures put in place include a one way system. signs for socially distanced queuing and hand sanitiser stations.

The popular market has also been redecorated ready for its reopening.

He added: "We're following all the guidelines from the government and the council. It's a learning process but we are just really keen to be back open."