Rent freeze call for Dudley Market

Stallholders are calling for a rent freeze at Dudley Market as some say they are only making a profit on one day of the week.

They argue that if rents cannot be pegged in future there should at least be a reduction during the winter when trade is slower.

Rents on stalls on the High Street market rose one per cent this financial year.

But traders say they fear there will be further increases in the new year.

Fruit and veg stall holder David Flavell, who took over his uncle George Lampitt's pitch 12 years ago, says he pays around £50 to £60 a day for his place.

Mr Flavell claims extra charges are imposed for additional table space in front of his covered pitch.

He said: "I'd love Dudley to freeze the prices as many authorities have done just to help. There are a few incentives for us to get half rental rates for a week if we get a new trader to take up a stall.

"But they come on, see the rents and leave after one week."

Price for the most expensive stalls on the Dudley town centre market range from £19.85 to £30.02 a day or from £9.09 to £13.79 for the cheapest pitches.

Prices vary depending on the day, size and position of the stall.

Wolverhampton City Council charges between £12.50 and £27.25 for a pitch.

Sandwell Council gave a one per cent cut in fees across the borough earlier this year but for the smaller markets in Oldbury, Great Bridge, Tipton and the Wednesbury, there is a flat charge of £5 per pitch.

Walsall Council charges between £30 and £40 a day for pitches on its main town centre market.

Dudley Council spokeswoman Claire Marshall said: "No decisions have yet been taken on rents for next year.

"The council is always willing to take any ideas and suggestions from traders."