Doomed Darlaston stall-holders given new pitches

Traders on the doomed Darlaston Market are to be allocated new stalls on the Walsall and Willenhall pitches, it emerged today.

Stallholders have been offered alternative spaces within the borough in the new year to ensure they can keep on trading.

Cash-strapped Walsall Council is planning to close the King Street market from next April in a bid to make savings of £60,000.

Traders have looked at taking over the running of the pitch themselves. But council chiefs are willing to give them positions on existing established markets. Regeneration chief councillor Adrian Andrew said alternative pitches have been offered at either Walsall or Willenhall markets.

"These offers are currently being considered by the traders but we do not anticipate any relocation will take place until the New Year," he said.

"We are working closely with all the traders affected by the proposed closure of Darlaston market to ensure they can continue operating successfully at neighbouring sites."

The proposed closure of Darlaston Market is part of measures of save £65 million over three years. More than 400 jobs are earmarked to go.

Tony Larner, chairman of the Walsall Market Traders Association, welcomed the offer to traders. "The last thing we want in this current climate is to see people being put out of business," he said.

Libraries, markets, meals on wheels, museums and leisure centres are also in the firing line in terms of cutbacks and closures by council chiefs. Creches are also set to be axed and art galleries and museums' services cut back. Residents' parking permits will also rise.