Brownhills Market comes to an end

A long-running Black Country market once one of the biggest in the Midlands will come to an end on Saturday - it has been announced.

Hopes of rescuing Brownhills Market have been dashed.

Talks between owners Spook Erection Ltd and Walsall Council broke down and the remaining stall holders, totalling around 50, will pack up for the last time this weekend.

The market, set up in 1972, once attracted more than 300 traders from around the country but has steadily declined over the last 18 months.

Walsall Council announced at the start of the year it would not be renewing the lease, blaming an explosion in rogue traders selling counterfeit goods.

But Spook Erection was given an extension, while talks were held between its bosses and council chiefs.

Now managing director of Spook Erection Ltd Lesley Maby has said: "Unfortunately we have not been able to reach an agreement with Walsall Council in respect of the continued operation of Brownhills Market.

"Although we requested and received an extension of time in the hope we would have been furnished with the Heads of Terms, they have not been forthcoming.

"We have just received word no further extension will be given."

The 37-year-old market moved onto this current site from May 1985.