Darlaston market is planned to boost trade

Four dates are being lined up for the event, set to take place at Darlaston Town Hall, which organisers hope will bring a raft of visitors in.

Darlaston's historic outdoor market in King Street was axed in 2011 in a bid to save £60,000.

But now traders and shopkeepers have been in talks over taking part in an indoor market, with dates set to be revealed after Easter.

It is believed some of those who used to have stalls at the long-established market have been in talks about returning in the plan.

Councillor Doug James, representative for Darlaton South, today said: "At the moment we are costing up plans for an indoor market in Darlaston.

"We will be booking the hall at Darlaston town hall for four markets and we're going to theme those around things such as arts and crafts and local shops.

"It will focus on smaller companies and will give business in the town a boost."

He said orchestras and music groups from around the town could be booked to provide entertainment for the indoor markets.

"The idea will people come for a bit of entertainment and to enjoy the indoor market and see what businesses have to offer," he said.

Final details about the new indoor market are still being drawn up and dates will be announced after Easter.

Councillor James added: "We're really pleased that the night market is happening again in Walsall next week but it would be nice to see something like that happen in Darlaston."

He said the first four events would be monitored to evaluate their success before a decision was made on whether it would become a fixture of Darlaston's social calendar.

Plans were unveiled in 2010 to close Darlaston's long-running market to help save £24,000 a year. It was part of £65 million of cuts.

Some businesses had been trading at the pitch for more than 20 years.

It is hoped the indoor market would also help boost the flagging fortunes of Darlaston Town Hall, in Victoria Road.

In 2009, the historic venue was given a grand refurbishment but bosses have struggled to attract people to it, with just 82 bookings last year.

It also had to end its marriage licence after no couples took up the chance to wed there.

A Friends of Darlaston Town Hall group has been set up to help encourage greater use of the historic venue.