Lower market fees demanded for West Bromwich

Market stall holders in West Bromwich are calling on the council to lower the pitch fees in line with others in the borough.

On weekdays, pitches are more than three times more expensive at West Bromwich market, compared to those in Oldbury, Great Bridge and Tipton. On a Saturday it is more than six times more expensive.

On market days in Oldbury, Great Bridge and Tipton stall holders have to pay £5 a pitch, in Wednesbury on a Friday and Saturday market stalls are £5 and £11.65 on a Tuesday.

Whereas in West Bromwich stall holders are paying £30.05 on a Saturday for a small pitch, and just over £20 from Tuesday to Fridays. Stalls on a Monday are £14.30.

West Bromwich stall holders are now urging the council to help them out during the economic downturn and cut the stall prices.

Amrik Singh, aged 42, runs the children's wear stall at the market and says the prices of pitches are too high.

Mr Singh who has been working at the market for 10 years said: "The cost need to be dropped, it needs to be in line with the other markets around.

But Zahid Ibad, aged 19, said his family have been running a fruit and vegetable stall at the market for six years and would never move.

Paul James, aged 50, has been working at West Bromwich market for the past 21 years.

Mr James who is from Halesowen and runs the Army and Work Wear stall said: "Of course I would like the pitch prices to be cheaper, but to be fair they are cheaper than other places, like Walsall."

Sandwell Councillor Ian Jones, said: "We review all stall fees on an annual basis and apply different charges depending on facilities and demand."