Market plan revealed for Dudley

Plans have been lodged to set up a new outdoor market in Stourbridge town centre by a well-known operator.

LSD Promotions already runs markets in Kidderminster, Wolverhampton and Bilston as well as a variety of themed markets.

The firm has previously run farmers markets in Stourbridge and has its head office in the town.

But now bosses want to secure the right to run a market close to the Ryemarket shopping centre near the High Street entrance.

A proposal has been tabled to Dudley Council's licensing committee which will discuss the plan tomorrow (WED).

LSD director Dermot McGillicuddy, has applied for permission to hold the event in High Street.

The market would take place on the first and third Saturday of every month and be able to operate from 9am to 4pm, under the proposals.

A report to the committee said that the intention would be that the new food and craft event would replace the former market by the clock.

Further details on types and numbers of stalls have yet to be released publicly but are expected to be discussed during the meeting.

There have been no objections submitted to the council about the plan, the report reveals.

And a decision will be made at a meeting at Dudley Council House, in Priory Road, from 10am.

The food and craft market would replace one which used to be set up around the town clock opposite The Mitre pub.

It ended in March due to dwindling numbers.

Shoppers had spoken of their sadness after the previous market, which once had up to 80 stalls, had gradually dwindled.

Other markets have tried to get a foothold in neighbouring towns in recent months.

In November, councillors ruled that a farmers' and crafts market, run by Bescot Promotions in Halesowen, could no longer have stalls selling other items.

Since 2011 the market had been allowed to have 10 'general' stalls alongside fresh produce and crafts.

But members of the council licensing committee told the operator that he must ensure it only has stalls to justify its name following complaints from business leaders.

Mr McGillicuddy had been contacted for comment but had not been available.