Express & Star

Darlaston Market is back after four years

Hundreds of bargain hunters descended on the relaunched Darlaston Market which made its long-awaited return after a four-year absence.

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Traders and shoppers alike flocked to the market which will run three days a week.

The previous 40-year-old market was axed by Walsall Council in 2011 to save money amid a fall in the number of stallholders.

Trader Amy Wood from

More than 25 stalls were snapped up along King Street during yesterday's inaugural event run by private operators Bescot Promotions.

It was hailed a success by shoppers, traders and existing businesses as it drew in hundreds of visitors to the town. The market will also be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Manager David Habernathy said the relaunch had been a big success and exceeded expectations for the first day.

Shoppers browse the stalls

He said: "The locals have been asking for it for a long time, the shops all want it here and the people of Darlaston want it here. I spoke to all the traders and they have done well." The company also runs the popular Bescot Sunday Market. Mr Habernathy added: "When Darlaston came up, because it is a local market, we thought it would be good. We have had a good response."

Darlaston Town Centre Partnership helped to bring the market back. Chairman Rob Cooper, who runs the town's Cooper's Family Butchers which is opening a new shop in King Street, said: "It is getting people back into Darlaston.

Shoppers browse the stalls

"It is what the people have been requesting, we just need the extra bit of pull to get people into the town.

"It is all part of Darlaston's tradition, it is traditional market town.

"I have been campaigning for four years, ever since the day it was closed. I am really pleased to see Darlaston with life in it again. We need the people to support it."

Shoppers were keen to see the variety of stalls which saw everything from clothing, jewellery, handbags and cosmetics available to buy.

The market in King Street

Mother-of-four Kirsty Clarke, aged 33, a hairdresser from Darlaston, said: "It is really good, we didn't expect this many stalls, it is nice to come down the town and have something like this."

Fellow shopper Lisa Webb, 38, from Darlaston, added: "I think it is great, there are a few bargains. It will make it busier." Jo Gill said the selection of stalls will be a big boost to the Darlaston which has struggled to attract people into the town.

The 41-year-old mother-of-three, of Richards Street, said: "It turned into a ghost town, everyone started to to just know Darlaston for Asda but now there is the market back. It has been missed a lot."

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