Snow joke for Dudley Market traders as stalls out of action
Around 30 stalls have been left out of action at Dudley Market because of inches of snow lying on the ground, forcing stallholders to pack up or find new pitches.
Traders say while pavements in Dudley High Street near shops, were cleared council workers have yet to clear snow from inside the market itself.
Stallholders said they were unable to lay out stock and leave boxes packed full of goods on up to 30 pitches today – one of the busiest days of the week.
Stalls were affected on the side nearest the Fountain Arcade with a number of traders moving to the opposite side or staying at home altogether. Icy winds and snow flurries continues to swirl around the region today with temperature again expected to plummet below freezing again tonight.
Dudley Market Traders Association chairman Len Lenihan, who has worked on the market for 25 years, said: "Traders have turned up to work on Dudley Market to find that their stalls and the surrounding area are still covered in deep snow.
"They have consequently been left with two options, dig out their own stalls and clear the trading area or go home.
"Traders that have gone home are expected to either book a holiday or be charged absence fees for not trading.
"People are financially strapped at the moment and they want to work and make money but they can't.
He said traders would be raising the issue with deputy council leader Shaukat Ali and the council's assistant director for economic regeneration and transportation Phil Coyne.
Proposals are in the pipeline for a £6 million revamp of Dudley Market to bring improved stalls.
The Council has also decided to freeze rents again next year to help traders during the tough economic times.
