Construction noise blamed for driving away trade at Dudley Market

They say customers are being driven away by the noise of the on-going construction work in High Street.

Work started on the scheme in January last year, leaving the traders in temporary stalls for more than 12 months and throughout the Christmas period.

They have seen their takings plummet and and despite most of the stallholders now having settled into the new revamped market place, they say they are still finding it tough.

Work is still going on around them as the finishing touches are put to most of the stalls and traders say the noise of the work, which may not be complete until August, is deterring shoppers.

Roy Eaton, aged 70, who has owned his clothing stall on the market since 1956 and now works there part-time for his son, said the work has been disruptive.

"I think it's time it was done, now," Mr Eaton said. "It is nice and clean but it has just taken too long and caused too much disruption. I think you do have to give it time, as we only moved in a month ago, but I do think customers are being scared away by the work."

Graham Southall, aged 51, of Derby End Road, who has worked on a vegetable stall on the market for 12 years, said he has seen trade pick back up again slightly since he was moved into the new marketplace last month, but is still struggling.

He said: "We always see a small dip in customers when the weather isn't great, like when it is windy or rainy, but it is worse than that

We have been told that it will be August when they are finally finished – we just want it to be done now."

Some other traders say there are some issues with the new premises themselves.

One trader, who did not want to be named, said whilst the new parade is clean, the roof is too high which makes the stalls windy, especially during the recent weather.

John Millar, acting strategic director for economy, environment and housing at Dudley Council, said: "

We are in the process of putting the finishing touches to the market place. The overall scheme is on schedule to be completed by early summer."