Stalls to be added at thriving market

Antiques, second-hand clothes and toy stalls are set to be added to Bloxwich market as part of a new expansion plan to draw in more shoppers.

Almost a dozen new stalls are to be added to the regular Tuesday market in Elmore Row.

The move is in stark contrast to many flagging markets across the Black Country, which are shrinking in size and being forced to relocate in a bid to attract more custom. Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, said: “Extra stalls means there will more choice and more bargains.

“A bric-a-brac element to the regular Tuesday market means there will be more stalls for people to shop at and spend more time in Bloxwich.

“This is another example of how we are looking at ways to boost all of the town centres in Walsall borough.”

Councillor Les Beeley welcomed the move as it would bring more people onto the market.

He said: “This has to be good news. It’s a place to meet and shop.”

New stalls include toys, antiques, DVDs and videos as well as clothes.

Aside from the special revamped Tuesday market, markets also take place on Friday and Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm.

Three years ago it underwent a £810,000 revamp which included the introduction of new stalls with a clear roof over them and new ground surfacing.

But the market traders of Walsall are experiencing mixed fortunes at the moment.

As well as Bloxwich, the Sunday market at Bescot Stadium is continuing to thrive and bosses this week signed a deal to keep it running for 15 years. But Walsall’s main market, held in the town centre for more than 788 years, is to be relocated within weeks after a 60 per cent drop in trade at its Digbeth home.

Members of Walsall Council’s Cabinet are due to rubberstamp the plans to move the market to The Bridge next month.

This is despite the concerns of businesses in George Street, Goodall Street and High Street who fear they will be isolated at the top end of the town.