Hundreds oppose Willenhall market rent rise
More than 700 people have opposed a controversial council move to increase rents for market traders in Willenhall by around 40 per cent.
Stall holders currently pay between £12 and £14 a day for a stand but that rate is set to rise by around £5 under proposals outlined in the borough council's budget.
Ward member Sean Coughlan launched a petition to reverse the move.
He said: "We have had more than 700 signatures.
"I am pleased that not only the residents and the shoppers have backed it but also the local shopkeepers. They understand how important the market is."
The petition was handed in to full council yesterday evening – Monday – and could possibly be debated by a scrutiny panel or even the authority's cabinet.
Councillor Coughlan added: "We will be carrying on the campaign and looking to force the Tory administration to back down."
Similar rises are proposed for Bloxwich market. The council has stated the increases would generate £44,000 a year in extra income.
