Traders urged to have say on Cannock market shake-up

Plans could see the Indoor Market Hall traders moved onto the street or into the Prince of Wales Market Hall.

And now a four-week consultation has been launched by Cannock Chase Council chiefs in a bid to hear people’s views.

It comes after a report revealed the authority had lost £52,050 over the last financial year, with bosses noting the market had “struggled” due to a lack of footfall and stallholders.

Proposals include moving the Tuesday and Friday indoor markets to street stalls – with no market held on Thursday and Saturday.

Alternatively, traders on indoor markets on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday could move to the Prince of Wales Market Hall – with no market held on Thursday.

Councillor Gordon Alcott, deputy leader and town centre regeneration portfolio leader, said: “The council is seeking the view of market traders and the public for the viability of the future of the indoor market in Cannock.

“The indoor market has seen a decline in traders and footfall over the last few years, despite the money invested in the re-launch and the ongoing promotion.

“This four-week consultation will allow us to understand the appetite for the indoor market and whether traders should move into the Prince of Wales Market Hall or with the current street market.”

It comes after efforts to revitalise the markets, such as increasing the number of trading days in 2017, failed – with only 17 traders remaining from 40 stalls.

And a shortfall in income from the site has been noted since 2015/2016, a report said.

The Indoor Market Hall is currently open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 9am to 5pm.

The Prince of Wales Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, from 9am to 5.30pm.

A consultation will run from October 3 to October 31, with council officers conducting surveys in Cannock town centre on October 8, October 17, October 19 and on October 25 from 10am to 2pm.

To take part in the consultation, call 01543 464523.