Revamped market set to reopen

The new-look Brownhills Market is to reopen for business next month, it was announced today.

Workmen have moved onto the site which will welcome back traders and customers on September 5.

The trouble-hit market, in Silver Street, shut in June.

More than 50 traders have already vowed to return to the market, which closed after former owners Spook Erections Ltd failed to agree a new contract with Walsall Council.

Residents have welcomed proposals to revamp the market which will have fewer stalls, improved link roads, an extra trading day and more input from trading standards.

Brownhills Councillor Alan Paul said the market will open on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

"There are 80 static stalls being fitted to start with, and incentives such as rent reductions in the short term to help attract traders back," he said.

"The Tuesday trade had virtually died and Saturdays were being affected too.

"The market will be restarted on Tuesdays and Saturday with a view to putting on an extra day as things develop."

Brownhills Local Committee, which has campaigned for improvements to the market, has welcomed efforts to reopen the site.

The market was set up in 1972 and at its peak attracted more than 300 traders from around the country.