Wolverhampton Market: Action vow over lack of toilets

The city's market moved to its new home in Market Square in April, with council chiefs heralding it a boost for the city.

But the absence of public toilets has put off some elderly shoppers, according to traders based at the site.

Oliver Bhurrut, spokesman for Wolverhampton council said: "We recognise there are no public toilets on Market Square since Heantun House was closed.

"Discussions have taken place and plans are being worked on to address the issue.

"We are in constant dialogue with the traders and we are always looking at ways we can improve the market environment."

Dud Malik, 63, a butcher and market trader, sees himself as one of the many traders directly affected by the lack of council action.

"The council will drive the traders out. This is a disaster. No toilets here mean the customers are getting fed up," he said.

Mr Malik had been working on the indoor market for 45 years prior to the move from Heantun House to Market Square.

He also raised concerns about the size of his cabin and the markets layout, adding: "Christmas will be my last time on the stall if they don't fix it."

Denise Goode, 57, manager of greengrocer RT Palmer and Daughters and Wolverhampton resident, said: "The biggest problem was how long it took. The public lost confidence."

Similarly, Robin Newby, 58, of the butchers Robin Newby and Family, said: "The move wasn't advertised well enough. The lack of toilets is a big issue."

Last Friday saw the new market in full flow with butchers to clothes traders and fruit and veg stallholders filling the 46 licensed outdoor stalls, which are now enclosed by the 16 cabins.

Despite the concerns raised about the lack of toilets, there is also plenty of optimism about the market's future.

Traders said they want to see further council-led events which could boost trade and attract younger shoppers.

Julie Emery, of JD Produce, a third-generation market trader from Wolverhampton, believes it's all about being optimistic.

"We've just worked hard to keep going," she said. "The opening day was fantastic."

However Ms Emery, whose grandparents started on market stalls in 1908, believes the winter will bring about difficulties.

"The winter will be harder because wholesale prices have jumped up since leaving Europe," said Ms Emery.

The relocation to Market Square in April brought together the existing indoor and outdoor markets.

Heantun House office blocks and the adjoining Market Hall, on the corner of Salop Street and School Street, will be flattened as a result.

The site, which is set to become a city centre car park, will provide 17 additional trader parking spaces, 85 extra car parking spaces and a further five additional disabled parking spaces.