Market to shut down
Stourport indoor market is to close after the building was sold to a major clothing retailer.
The news has left stallholders at the Lombard Street market up in arms after they were given just 28 days to quit in a telephone call from landlords Midcounties Co-operative.
The seven stallholders claim they were told to vacate their stalls by mid-May and are now desperately searching for new premises for the market.
The Co-op would only confirm it had sold the building to a major retailer – but would not reveal the name of the company.
Several members of staff may lose their jobs as stallholders struggle to relocate in time.
The market has been running for almost 20 years and includes stalls selling blinds, cards, clothing, pets, hardware and the Simply Delicious Cafe.
Many traders have large quantities of stock and fear they will be unable to sell it off in time.
The owner of Simply Delicious Cafe, Maria Plant, said: "It was a real bombshell for all of us and we are very angry. "We had no idea the building was being sold and were initially given just seven days to get out. Now that has been extended to 28 days. But it is still not long enough for any of us to find alternative premises.
"We have scoured the town already and there is just none available. There will be job losses, stock loss and a lot of unhappy people.
"We are a cornerstone of the community. I just don't know what we're going to do."
Midcounties Co-operative spokesman Richard Holmes said: "The introduction of a major clothing retailer will reinforce the viability of the town centre."
