Traders fear for revamped market

Traders at Brownhills newly-relaunched midweek market today told how they were considering packing up because of a shortage of stallholders.

The Silver Street site was standing almost empty this morning.

There were only around 15 stalls set out compared to up to 70 sellers at the Saturday market. Dave Ash, aged 42, who runs a fruit and vegetable stall, said: "I'm losing money and can't afford the rent. The empty stalls is a problem as people who do come won't be back. This could well be the last Tuesday for me."

Nigel Smart, aged 40, sells ladies' clothes, he said: "It is early days I'm actually doing better on a Tuesday than a Saturday. But I know other traders who won't come because of the rent."

Sonia Moore, aged 37, who helps run a timber stall, said: "The more traders there are here, the more people will come to the market. Cheaper rent is always better."

William Dobie, aged 35, clothes said: "The stalls are too small and the rent is too high. You should also be able to work out of your van. I'm not sure how much longer I will continue."

Councillor Adrian And-rew, Walsall Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We have been hugely impressed at the response from traders and shoppers to the re-launch of Brownhills market.

"The current average stall number for each day of trading is 65 a week. Tuesday is less popular. This doesn't mean we are resting on our laurels. We are happy to meet market traders to discuss how they think the market can be improved.

"We wanted to step into save Brownhills market because we believe in the town and its town centre. It's a place that offers great value and service at a time when things are tight."

Walsall Council charges £20 per stall at the site on Tuesdays, but vendors at Bloxwich and Willenhall markets pay between £15.50 and £16.55 for a basic stall. Now market chiefs are in discussions with senior councillors over the possibility of reviewing the rates for the Brownhills Tuesday market after it failed to attract enough stallholders.

The market was relaunched by the council at the beginning of September by Walsall Council. It closed in July after previous operator Spook Erection, failed to agree terms of a new lease.