Stallholders at Brownhills market – which was facing closure this month – have been given a reprieve while talks continue into the possibility of securing its future.

Traders have been sent letters by market operator Spook Erection saying the stalls can remain in High Street for the time being.

It was announced at the start of the year the market, which has been running for more than 40 years, was due to close markets on Tuesday and Saturday by May.

Walsall Market said it was considering stopping the lease with an explosion in rogue traders operating on the site blamed for the decision, after several raids and large hauls of dodgy goods.

But council chiefs and market operators are discussing how the market can continue. Lesley Maby, director of the firm, said today: “We are now in May, the month traders were advised the market could close, and happily we have received correspondence from the council agreeing to a requested extension.

“Both parties have agreed to this extension whilst the heads of terms, which have been agreed in principle, are being prepared.”

Kevin Kendall, Walsall Council head of property services, said: “We’re still in negotiations with Spook Erections.”