Dudley traders gear up for first Sunday market

From tomorrow, for the first time in its history Dudley Market will welcome shoppers on Sundays in the run up to Christmas.

It comes after stallholders took over responsibility for the day to day running of the market from the council.

Dudley Market Traders Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation which will operate as a co-operative among market traders with all profits ploughed back into boosting the market, which dates back to the 12th century.

Chairman Len Lenihan said: "Our intention is not only to increase the numbers of market traders but also to widen the types of products people can buy. We've also got many other ideas to make the market fun and vibrant and I look forward to putting them into practice."

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: "We're trying to bring life back to the town centre, to get Dudley thriving again. The traders are approaching this with a lot of enthusiasm and it will give people the opportunity to shop in Dudley seven days a week."

Traders are drawing up a new rent structure in the wake of a £6.7m revamp.

The reduced rates will initially be targeted at those days where trading on the market is quiet.

On Monday, the price for a stall will fall from £14 to £10, on Tuesday and Thursday it will fall from £15 to £12 and on Friday it will drop from £19 to £12.

Saturday will remain the most expensive day for traders, with an outdoor spot costing £21 and indoor stalls priced at £18 for the day.

Mr Lenihan hopes fees will eventually be brought down on each day of the week. And in an extra boost for traders, all stalls on all days will cost just £10 between January and March.