Walsall markets generate £280k income

MORE than £280,000 was generated from council-run markets in Walsall over the last 12 months, new figures reveal today.

Most of the £287,724 income for the cash-strapped council came from Walsall Market itself, which has enjoyed a revival after moving to a more prominent location.

It helped to cover the losses of Willenhall Market which had a deficit of just over £30,000 – lower than initially expected.

It cost £560,692 to run markets at Walsall, Willenhall and Bloxwich during the last financial year but raised a total income of £848,416. The main Walsall pitch made £313,745 and Bloxwich £8,211, which covered the £34,231 loss occurred at Willenhall.

Council chiefs have welcomed the overall profit of £287,724 with money set to be re-invested in improving pitches.

Walsall market was moved from around High Street and Digbeth towards The Bridge in 2009. It was part of a temporary measure as there are eventual long-term plans to create a permanent pitch elsewhere.

Karen Sands, who runs a fish stall at Walsall, said there is now a waiting list for stalls. "The traders always told the council if they moved the market into the heart of the town centre it would make money and the traders would come, which is what has happened," she said.

It was initially believed Willenhall would lose around £80,000 in the last financial year but changes to the waste collection, electricity supply and stall dismantling services have helped to reduce the deficit.

Regeneration chief Councillor Adrian Andrew said the council was looking to invest profits in all three pitches. Willenhall councillor Ian Shires said it was important to follow up steps to reduce losses to ensure the market was thriving.