Darlaston Market return moves a step closer
The planned return of a Black Country town's market moved a step closer after it received the backing of a borough council.
Darlaston Market was axed three years ago by previous organiser Walsall Council to save £60,000.
But the council's cabinet has approved the revival of the market, which would be run by the operators of the Bescot Sunday market.
The new-look outdoor market will run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays will be relaunched for at least two years, under the plans by Bescot Promotions.
It is hoped up to 50 stalls will operate in King Street with it opening in May.
The two-year licence will have an option to extend for a further 12 months.
A nominal fee will be paid for the first year and reviewed on an annual basis.
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 and this proposal was also approved at the meeting.
Brownhills market finished almost four years ago after struggling under both the council and being privately-run.
