Brownhills market to close after 40 years

A Walsall market is to close in May after nearly 40 years. The closure of the Tuesday and Saturday markets in Brownhills will affect scores of traders.

Part of the reason for the move follows allegations the market is being plagued by counterfeit traders.

It has space for 388 traders but only around 50 were on the site today.

Lesley Maby, managing director of operators Spook Erection, that set up the market in September 1972, said Walsall Council was unwilling to renew its operator's lease.

Mrs Maby said the company's pleas for last-minute talks had been ignored and it was now left with no choice but to pull the plug on the market .

She said: "I can only apologise to all those who will be affected as a result of this closure who rely upon the market either as a source of employment or as a place to buy goods.

"The council claim the market is used for the sale of counterfeit goods and we have explained in great detail the steps we take to prevent the sale of such goods."

But Councillor Adrian Andrew, the Walsall Council cabinet member for regeneration, said the council was to stage 11th hour talks with Spook Erection in the next few days.