The fishmongers at Oxford Covered Market is reopening following a four-month break.

Pershore Seafoods closed at the end of last year due to staffing issues, and is relaunching today with new staff.

It first opened in April 2019 and was the first fishmongers in the market since Hayman’s closed its stall at the same spot in November 2017.

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Now Pershore Seafoods is reopening in the same place tomorrow.

Owner David Witts said: "We had staffing issues but now we have had a change of staff, a change of personnel and we are delighted to be back.

"Our customers have always been very supportive and Oxford City Council have also been supportive as landlords.

Oxford Mail:

"Our fish comes fresh from the coast - Cornwall, Devon, Brighton, Grimsby, Newhaven, Scotland and some of the fish are on our counter within 36 hours of being caught.

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"We sell cod, halibut, crab, lobsters, oysters, scallops, lemon sole, and turbot."

Mr Witts said he hoped the fishmongers reopening would help customers to think of the market as being a 'one-stop shop' where you could buy meat, fish, vegetables and other produce.

"We have lots of loyal customers and we are really looking forward to seeing them again.

"Hopefully there will be some new customers too," he added.

The stall will be open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 8.30am to 5pm.

Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: "It’s good to see them back; they’ve been missed. I’m looking forward to shopping there again myself."

Oxford Mail:

The return of the fishmonger is a boost for the market at a time when long-serving butcher Fellers has announced it is to close.

The Feller family has been operating in the market since 1979 and is well-known for their exceptionally high-quality meat and game.

But a member of staff said: "The last day of trading will be March 31. We hope our customers will continue to support us until then."

The departure follows the closure of Hedges butchers and John Lindsey in 2018 and leaves only David John remaining.

Last week traders at the market welcomed a £6.8m masterplan to give the historic attraction a boost.

READ AGAIN: First look at new Covered Market designs

The city council, landlords of the market, announced the investment.

The project includes the entrances in High Street and Market Street being transformed, larger seating areas inside, and a new space outside in a new pedestrian-friendly Market Street.

Oxford Mail:

The regeneration will respect the unique character, heritage and history of the Covered Market, which first opened fully in 1774.

Public toilets at the Market Street entrance will be moved and two shop units will be removed to help create the public space. 

Magnus Joye at Pizza by Sartorelli's said earlier: "A new look will encourage more people to come in."

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF