Plan for a market to boost Tipton town centre is revealed
A weekly open air market will be held in Tipton town centre, under new plans being discussed by council chiefs. It is hoped it would attract more shoppers.
The move comes just weeks after Wednesbury councillors were given the go ahead for their own weekly market in the town centre.
Great Bridge councillor Joanne Hadley is forging the way for the plans in a bid to boost business in the town.
The market would be held on Princes End High Street and Owen Street, and stall holders would be asked not to sell products which would be in competition with neighbouring shops.
Councillor Hadley said: "The aim of the market is to encourage people into the town, and to get them using the shops. We wouldn't want them to be in competition with local shopkeepers, but we would want the market to complement the shops."
Councillor Hadley wants an outside organisation to run the market, so there would be no cost to Sandwell Council or the taxpayer.
She said: "By having a market we would encourage people in, and make them think twice before going to Merry Hill or Birmingham. Our High Street is struggling and I am just doing my best to think of ways to boost the town."
She said councillors are now in talks with council officers about whether the market can go ahead.
