Bovingdon Market forced to close due to coronavirus risks

Hertfordshire County Council has closed down Bovingdon Market due to coronavirus risks. The market, which attracts people from across Dacorum and nearby Aylesbury Vale, is particularly popular in the build up to Christmas.

On 16 December, Hertfordshire County Council, in exercise of the powers conferred by the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020, took action to close down the popular market.

The local authorities have been in dialogue with Bovingdon Market organisers to agree measures to enable continued operation, but these have to date been unsuccessful.

Inspector Jeff Scott, who leads the Dacorum Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We welcome the serving of this notice by our partners at Hertfordshire County Council.

"Officers have witnessed inadequate social distancing and excessive crowding at the site which has led to significant concerns for the health of both the local and wider community, the latter of which travel from across the country to visit the market.

"Public safety remains a top priority for the Constabulary and we all have a duty to play our part in helping prevent the spread of coronavirus”.

Councillor Andrew Williams, leader of Dacorum Borough Council, said: “We have worked with our partners at Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Constabulary to address the concerns regarding Bovingdon Market.

"We fully support the necessary action taken by Hertfordshire County Council and the Director of Public Health Hertfordshire, in issuing a covid direction, to safeguard our communities and prevent the spread of infection in Dacorum and surrounding areas in Hertfordshire."