Wednesbury market hailed success as trade rises by 300pc

A special congratulatory message has now been sent to those behind the new market by the office of the 'queen of shops', Government high street guru Mary Portas.

The market on Union Street started in February every Thursday for a 12-week trial period, and now town lead Councillor Elaine Costigan has said some businesses have seen an increase of 300 per cent in trade, and hopes this will be further boosted by a special event on June 21 called Summer Madness.

She said: "What the market has done so far is absolutely wonderful.

"And now we've got Summer Madness going on, that we've put some money aside for, to promote and bring the town back to life.

"It will be on from 2pm to 8pm, and we will have an ice rink, an open air market, bands and singers and bouncy castles, all in the town square and on Union Street.

"This is all happening by looking at what Mary Portas has previously told us to achieve."

And on Tuesday Micky Riseam, personal assistant to Ms Portas, sent an email of congratulations to Councillor Costigan on the town's achievements.

In it he said: "I just wanted to get in touch to say how fantastic it is that the markets have been such a great success and wish you luck with the Summer Madness... hopefully the sun shines for you."

Although trade at O'Connell's Florist and Fruiterers hasn't quite increased by 300 per cent, owner Bridget O'Connell has nothing but praise for the market.

She said: "Our trade has improved, and there's definitely a different atmosphere in the town.

"I feel sure that as the weather picks up we will get more, regular customers in.

"The feedback I'm getting is that the public loves the market, it's all really positive feedback," she added.

"And now I'm looking forward to Summer Madness too."

The market was launched following the success of markets held by the firm in the run-up to Christmas.

More than 100 people signed a petition calling for the markets to be made permanent, saying the three held before Christmas had proved a big draw and boosted trade.

Traders had been calling for more events to held around the town centre to bring in more business.