Traders seek support

Shoppers across Wolverhampton were today urged to help save their market after traders revealed 2007 is set to be the worst year in history for the flagship city centre stalls.

Stallholders told the Express & Star that a fresh six-month review of the operation, confirmed this week by the city council, would make little difference unless more people come to them to shop.

Wolverhampton's once thriving market is losing £250,000 a year and a recent package of cash incentives, including a rents freeze for new stallholders, may have come too late to boost the worsening take-up of pitches.

Neil Gatt, who runs Gatts Delicatessen in the indoor market in Market Square, said: "This is by far the quietest year so far. In July I had to reduce the size of my stall because we couldn't afford to keep it going.

"We need to get rid of a lot of the negativity around the place and get the message across to people that if you still want a market in Wolverhampton, then come on down. We offer a personal service here and have a laugh with customers – you don't get that in the supermarkets. People need to start coming here again and really experience shopping."

Daniel Lymer-Jones, aged 49, who has run Danny's Allsorts for 14 years, said: "It is a very difficult time for us but it's hard to imagine a future without a market for Wolverhampton. This might well end up the worst year we've had.

"It would be terrible if that was the case. It's simply a matter of getting people through the door, and so far this has been a very poor year. I think people tend to shop for convenience these days and the council needs to help us because competition is fierce and growing."

Allan Dawkins, aged 30, who sells shoes on the outdoor market, said: "My family has been here for 41 years and we have managed to keep our heads above water, but it is a struggle for all us.

"We are weather dependent and the damp weather really hurts us. We need to encourage more people to come back and sample what's on offer."

The city council will spend the next six months taking advice from market specialists from across the country before making a decision, with the possibility of an alternative location still on the table.