4,000 signatures for petition against market rent increase

Traders from Bilston indoor market handed council bosses a 4,000 signature petition in protest against proposed rent increases.

Market traders in Wolverhampton and Bilston are facing a five per cent rent increase for the fourth time in as many years.

Spokesman for Bilston Market, Jag Sandhu, handed the petition over at the Civic Centre on Wednesday along with fellow traders Liz Spooner and Sandra Davies.

Only 180 people signed up in opposition to the same increase last year but the traders hope the significant increase this time around will get the matter discussed at a full council meeting.

Mr Sandhu, who also runs a textile stall at the indoor market, said: "Bilston indoor market has been here for so long and people care about it so much, we haven't really had to push anyone into signing our petition, they have been coming to us asking where they have to sign.

"People are worried that if the market goes Bilston will turn into a ghost town.

"We are personal friends with customers and the amount of signatures we have been given shows that.

"People come from all over the West Midlands to shop at the market and they have also signed it.

"I think we are doing something the council should be proud of, helping keep the community together and bringing in shoppers from out of town."

Some stall holders have previously said that the upcoming five per cent rent rise could force them out of business

Because the market is owned by the council, traders are restricted on how much control they have over opening hours.

They are also charged more per square foot than high street shops.

Mr Sandhu said: "I think people have realised that we aren't being treated fairly.

"Markets in Dudley and Walsall have have had their rent frozen and ours keeps getting bumped up."

Liz Spooner, a furniture trader at the market, believes the situation has brought people in Bilston together.

She said: "People want to help and save us before its too late and we really have to thank them for that.

"This is not the councils market or our market, this is a market for the people and that is what makes it so special.

"People trust us and they don't like what is being done to good, honest traders."