The number of market stalls being moved into the heart of Walsall has been cut after complaints from shopkeepers that it would drive them out of the town.

Some traders claimed they would be forced to leave the town if 16 market stalls were allowed to set up in Park Street, in Walsall’s main shopping parade.

It is the latest opposition to the relocation of the 800-year-old market from Digbeth to The Bridge which has been four years in the planning and has faced a legal challenge.

But at a special planning meeting called last night it was agreed stalls would move to a new town centre location next month. However, the number of stalls in Park Street would be cut to just eight to avoid any more hold-ups.

The council hopes the market can be in its new home in time for the Christmas lights switch on in Walsall on November 26.

It means many stallholders will have to remain on the original market pitch in Digbeth, which was described as “dying on its feet” last night by chairman of Walsall Market Traders Association Karen Sands.

She said: “It is not the preferred option of the traders, we wanted 16 stalls in Park Street. But we are ecstatic the move has at long last been approved. The market is dying on its feet where it is at the moment.”

Walsall Market is moving temporarily while a makeover of the St Matthew’s Quarter takes place.

Around 80 stallholders will be moved to a more central position with stalls in Park Street, Bradford Street and High Street with the move reviewed in a year.

However, the decision has angered some existing traders. Gavin Thomas, manager at Toni & Guy hairdressing salon in Bradford Street, said: “We feel having the stalls two metres from our shop front will obstruct us. There is a real danger our business will be forced to leave Walsall.”