MOLD Market has hit back at claims that by staying open it is risking the further spread of the coronavirus.

On Wednesday - weekly market day - it posted a statement on its Facebook page, run by market traders, calling for an end to negative comments its traders "must eat".

It said there are five stalls on the street, each with a vehicle between them, "only selling essentials".

It comes following claims that it is "ridiculous" that the market remains open amid virus concerns.

The statement said: "Please stop with the negative comments.

"We must eat, therefore we should support our local traders, all of whom are self employed and don't currently have the offer of 80 per cent pay to stay at home.

"I personally would rather shop in the open air for fruit, veg, bread etc than to stand in the queues in local supermarkets."