Dudley's Sunday market makes promising start

For the first time in its long history, Dudley Market welcomed shoppers on Sunday and traders hope interest will continue to grow as the weeks progress.

It comes after traders took over responsibility for the day-to-day running of the market from Dudley Council.

Stallholders said the market had been busy on Sunday morning and while it had slowed down later in the afternoon people had continued to visit during the day.

Len Lenihan, chairman of Dudley Market Traders Ltd which has taken over running of the market, said it had been a strong start.

"To say it was the very first time it went really well and everyone is very confident it will grow as it gets closer to Christmas," he said.

"A lot of people have come into the town with the morning being busiest.

"Everyone is very pleased with the response. Now we can build on it."

Mr Lenihan said around half of the available stalls were operating on Sunday. This is expected to increase as the weeks go on.

Shoppers Sarah and Simon Townend, from Dudley, said they thought the market opening on a Sunday in the run-up to Christmas was a good idea.

Sarah, 50, said: "It means there is a bit more variety when they come into the town on a Sunday. I think it will be a real boost for traders and visitors."

Trader Jo Forrest who was running a stall with her sister Jessie Powell said: "Trade has been pretty good during the day.

"I think the market is generating a lot of interest and events such as this help that.

"I know during the week there has been people coming into the town who have not visited in years because they have heard about all the work which has taken place and want to see it for themselves."

Dawn Cope, 33, from the town, was at the market with her family.

"It is great for me because I only have the chance to come into the town on a Sunday. I think a lot of people will take advantage of the same opportunity once more people know about it."

Trader Wendy Farmer, who sells clothing for youngsters and has traded from the market for 25 years, said: "I think more people, traders and shoppers, will come in once the car boot season has finished.

"It has been a really promising start."

Traders are also drawing up a new rent structure for the market.

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

Deputy Mayor Councillor Mohammed Hanif was pleased to see the town busy on the opening Sunday. He said: "I think it's an excellent move forward, not only for Dudley but for the borough.

"It's great to see independent businesses and markets being given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to do well.

"Dudley has always had a market, so it could be seen as a town tradition. Now it's all been re-done, it is really good to be deputy mayor of this town and see that it is alive and well.

"I was someone who used to go to the markets so it really pleases me to see them at last opened again. It definitely will pull more people towards Dudley and put more value to the town."

Dudley Market Traders started running the market on Saturday, October 3. Plans by the stallholders to open on Sundays is a pilot and part of the authority's Love Your Community initiative, making it the largest market in the country to trail this method of management.

The not-for-profit organisation operates as a co-operative among market traders, with all profits ploughed back into boosting the market.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said the plan aims to get Dudley thriving again, with traders approaching the initiative with enthusiasm.

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.