New Cannock street market to attract shoppers

The outdoor market will be held weekly in Cannock, starting this Friday. Entertainment and children's rides will be an added attraction at holiday times.

The market has trebled trade for existing shopkeepers in a neighbouring town where it has been introduced.

Around 30 stalls will be set up in Market Square initially. If the venture takes off, more units will be added. A mix of crafts, food and general items will be sold.

Regeneration leader Councillor Diane Todd said: "It is hoped the new market will bring vibrancy to the town centre."

Cannock Chase District Council approached Bescot Promotions, which also runs markets in Halesowen and Wednesbury as well as the popular Sunday market at Walsall Football Club.

Operator Steve Evans said: "We've had good reports from the towns where we've set up stalls. At Wednesbury, where we operate on Tuesdays and Fridays, shops have reported a 300 per cent increase in trade.

"People enjoy their visit and tend to come back to the town on non-market days to have a look round.

"We have only had two weeks to organise it so we may not get it right straight away but we hope it will balance out over time. We will listen to what people want and try to provide it."

The market will run for a trial period of six months. A review of the market's popularity and effect on other businesses will be held in May.

Councillor George Adamson, leader of the council, said: "We hope by increasing the footfall into the town centre that it will improve trading conditions for existing retailers and, if successful, attract new retailers and reduce the number of vacant units."

Four new shops have opened in the town since the launch of a council-run business rates discount scheme just over a year ago.