Dudley shops get rates cut for Christmas

Work began in January on the overhaul of Dudley Market. Roads were closed and traders moved to temporary stalls as a result of the work, leading to a loss in takings.

Now, Dudley Council has announced plans to boost businesses. It has negotiated a rents discount with the government's Valuation Office Agency for the firms that suffered the most upheaval.

Businesses in parts of High Street, Market Place, Castle Street, New Street, the Churchill Shopping Centre and Trident Shopping Centre will receive the rates cut. It will run from next month until the revamp is completed, which is expected to be in summer next year.

Letters will sent out to businesses informing them of the discount.

Cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Judy Foster, said: "We are ploughing investment into improving Dudley town centre, but we recognise that this has impacted some businesses. It is not us, but central government that sets our business rates. Much as we would always hope for more help for local businesses, I am pleased that they will receive some assistance during what, for some, has been a difficult year. We are confident, however, that the regeneration scheme will pave the way for a prosperous future for Dudley.

"I would like to thank all local people and businesses that have been affected and supported us as we look to improve Dudley for future generations."

Work on the new-look market includes the creation of 74 stalls, new paving and feature lighting.

The project will also involve the relocation of the public toilets to allow the repositioning of the Duncan Edwards statue. The historic fountain will also be fully restored.

Chairman of Dudley Market Traders Association Len Lenihan said of the rates cut: "Hopefully it will help the traders as they have suffered disruption during all the regeneration work.

"They have ended up on the temporary market and have not yet been moved back which over Christmas especially was something we really wanted to avoid.

"I do think the council are trying hard to compensate the traders as along with the rates reductions they have also tried to improve the conditions on the stalls themselves."

The first stage of the scheme included work to lay natural stone on roads and pavements in Castle Street. New parking spaces were also created.

The project also includes improvements to the Earl of Dudley statue and Green Man Entry, which will improve the route between Tower Street and Castle Street and tree planting.

The revamp work has already thrown up a number of archaeological curiosities including bottles of shoe polish dating back to the 18th century and oyster shells, revealing the favourite fast food of drinkers in the 1700s.