Final day for market after 37 years
Traders on the long running Brownhills Market today hit out at owners after revealing their disappointment and anger at putting up stalls for the last time.
Stallholders insisted they were in limbo with some unaware until today that this was the final time they would be allowed to trade – bringing an end to the market's 37 years in the town.
Bosses at Spook Erection have pulled the plug on the market which has been trading on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It emerged earlier this year the market was under threat as Spook Erection was struggling to agree a lease with Walsall Council.
Butchers Kerry Rowlands, aged 39, and Chris Bassford, 37, have been regulars at their pitch. Mr Bassford said: "This is people's livelihood and I just hope it reopens. We need it."
Christopher Charley, aged 30, has been running his cosmetics stall for more than 10 years and said there has been a lack of support and information.
Mr Charley said: "This is a business and I feel as if we have been left high and dry. The market has seen better days but it has been neglected. If the market isn't here Brownhills is like a ghost town."
Managing director of Spook Erection Ltd Lesley Maby said: "We have tried to reach an agreement with Walsall Council but they have just been terrible and extremely difficult to negotiate with."
Jean Bowley has travelled from Leicester for 37 years to set up her fashion store. The 64-year-old said: "It is very sad as I have made a lot of friends with customers over the years. More could have been done to keep it."
Mohammed Sajid, aged 35, runs a stall selling computer equipment. He said: "I have been here for about 12 years and all of a sudden this is happening without any notification."
