Business is booming at Cannock’s Market Hall despite the economic downturn.

The thriving facility in Market Hall Street now has a 98.5 per cent occupancy rate. Cannock and Rugeley have been holding town centre markets since the 13th century when the original Royal Charter was first issued.

The Cannock hall is open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.

The town centre has lost many of its big name such as Woolworths in recent months but the market hall has seen new business grow.

Some traders who could not afford to pay rents for town centre shop units have instead turned to the indoor market instead.

Councillor Danny Davies, who is responsible for town centre development, said it was great to see such a thriving market.

An information stall will also be opening soon, offering lots of advice from the council and its partners. Application forms for taking a stall at the market and the other council markets are available from the market officer on 01543 464558.

Cannock was shocked to hear this week that Cannock Shopping Centre has gone into receivership.

The 35-unit centre is open as normal as the receives try to find a buyer.

The 90,000sq ft centre has seen the closure of many of its shops over the last few months.