Markets in Walsall to remain under council control

The authority runs sites in Walsall, Bloxwich and Willenhall, making a profit of almost £110,000 during the 2013/14 financial year.

Council bosses have given their support towards the re-opening of Darlaston Market later in the year by Bescot Promotions, which is behind the Bescot Sunday Market.

A report from council officer Helen Kindon to regeneration chief councillor Mohammed Nazir, as part of the proposal, said there has been previous interest in the council's pitches by the private sector. But there were no plans for the authority to cut their ties.

She said: "We have been approached periodically by the private sector to either run markets on behalf of the council or enter into a partnership agreement.

"Whilst it seems unlikely that the council will terminate its current markets in the future, a partnership approach has been adopted by other councils.

"Such partnerships allow the private sector to run the operations of the markets with the council still retaining control and taking a share of the profits."

The 40-year-old Darlaston Market was axed in 2011 by the council in a bid to help save £60,000.

The new-look outdoor market is due to run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

It is hoped up to 50 stalls will operate in King Street.

The two-year licence will have an option to extend for a further 12 months.

A nominal fee will be paid for the first year and reviewed on an annual basis.

It emerged last year that a market managed by a private operator was being looked at for the town.

The market had been held around King Street and High Street on Fridays and Saturdays, but ended up with just four traders.

It comes as there are £1.75m plans to create a new-look permanent market around The Bridge.

It will be downsized to 70 stalls, but include a food zone, and be capable of trading for seven days a week.

Stalls will also be demountable so when the market is not operating it can act as a public open space

The Source of Ingenuity fountain at The Bridge will be moved and the Sister Dora statue is being repositioned. The iconic hippo sculpture has already been moved to a temporary location outside Walsall Central Library during works.

One market has been lost in the town, Brownhills finished almost four years ago after struggling under both the council and being independently-run.