Traders left reeling as Spencers Instore Market to close

A long-running indoor market hall is to close its doors after more than two decades of trading in a Black Country town.

Stallholders at Spencers Instore Market in Dudley High Street have been left reeling after they were told the centre will shut on July 23.

Traders received letters on Saturday telling them they had three weeks to pack up their stalls.

Many of them said the news had come out of the blue while others admitted they had heard rumours but had been hoping for the best.

It is believed that difficulties with negotiating the new lease for the building has led to the manager's decision to close the market.

Market manager Julia Stone today confirmed it was to close but refused to comment further.

Some stallholders have now put up "closing down sale" signs as they try to sell their stock.