Axed Walsall market is on way back to town

The event was axed four years ago because of cost-cutting measures by Walsall Council following a fall in the number of traders.

But a new-look outdoor market on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays will be relaunched for at least two years by Bescot Promotions, under fresh proposals.

It is hoped up to 50 stalls will operate in King Street and could open in May, subject to approval from the decision-making cabinet.

The plan is for the council to agree a two-year licence with the option to extend for a further 12 months.

A nominal fee will be paid for the first year and reviewed on an annual basis.

Steve Evans, of Bescot Promotions, which runs the weekly pitch outside of Walsall's Banks's Stadium, said they were keen to run the event and believed it will be a success.

He said: "We know the area, it is something that Darlaston Town Centre Partnership want.

"It will be a general market, I think it will go well. We will give it 100 per cent."

It emerged last year that a market managed by a private operator was being looked at for the town. The council-run event was axed in a bid to save £60,000 over three years in 2011.

The 40-year-old market had been held around King Street and High Street on Fridays and Saturdays, but ended up with just four traders. Darlaston will complement the council markets at Walsall, Bloxwich and Willenhall.

There are already plans pushing ahead to give the main Walsall town centre pitch a £1.75 million revamp by creating a permanent home at The Bridge.

Brownhills market finished almost four years ago after struggling under both the council and being privately-run.

A report to regeneration chief, councillor Mohammed Nazir, says: "An invitation was sent to six external market operators to return an expression of interest to provide an outdoor market in King Street, Darlaston on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

"Such days were chosen to reduce any impact on existing council run borough markets.

"Two expressions of interest were received and each operator was subsequently invited to complete a quotation to operate the market.

"Only one market operator met the criteria and offered to manage the market on three days a week." It adds that markets already operating in the borough play an 'integral part' in the heritage of communities.

"These markets add value and contribute to the vitality of the centre and provide a wide range of commodities and affordable fresh produce," the report concludes.