Market fees are to be slashed across Sandwell to help traders weather the recession and boost the number of stalls across the borough.

Pitches at Oldbury, Great Bridge, Tipton and Wednesbury will now cost just £5 – equal to a 50 per cent reduction.

At the larger markets across the borough, fees will be cut by on eper cent.

The £5 flat charge for Oldbury, Great Bridge, Tipton and Wednesbury on a Friday and Saturday comes after a two-year trial in Wednesbury.

The introduction of the £5 fee at the town’s market saw the number of stalls let per year jump from 1,800 to 3,900.