Delay fears for market

Plans to bring back a Saturday market to Kidderminster could be delayed until the summer because of red tape, it was announced today.

Traders in the town have already given their backing to the return of a revamped popular Saturday Market to help lure back shoppers and tourists to their stalls.

The idea has also won the backing of members of Kidderminster Town Centre Partnership who were hoping market organisers, LSD Promotions Ltd, might make it fashionable and funky like one in London which attracts the likes of Stella McCartney.

But the scheme will have to be put on hold until legal agreements have been drawn up and it has been given formal approval by Wyre Forest District Council.

Street cafe-style seating, musicians and entertainers are envisaged as part of the market which will lead shoppers to many parts of the town.

Promoters hope that once it gets off the ground the market could develop into a major tourist attraction like Camden Market, visited by designers John Paul Gaultier, Georgio Armani and Stella McCartney, who also has a house near Pershore in Worcestershire.

They want the market to be modern and fashionable and encourage people to travel to the town from further afield to buy from designer stalls selling fashionable, quality items.

Dermot McGillicuddy, of LSD Promotions Ltd, which took over management of the Thursday market last year and revamped street trading in the town, said: "Unfortunately, because Wyre Forest District Council has to give its formal approval to the market being reintroduced.

"This is a shame but it is only a few months away and will give us time to plan everything properly if permission is given.

"The new-style weekday market has already greatly increased footfall in the Swan Centre and the High Street side of Kidderminster."