Town market on the move

Walsall's historic market will move from the pitch it has occupied for the last 780 years after consultants brought in to assess its future backed moves to relocate it.

Stallholders would temporarily switch to The Bridge, near Tesco, from early 2009, while work to create a new open market in Lower Hall Lane was under way.

The market, which has been struggling for the last few years, has been at its current home in High Street since 1220.

The market will be more modern and is aimed at complementing the St Matthew's Quarter development.

A 24-hour Asda opened its doors last summer and plans are being drawn up for the second stage of the project.

The former Shannons Mill clothing factory nearby was to have been converted into loft apartments, offices and speciality shops but the scheme was revised following a fire last August which destroyed the building.A footpath linking the market with the Asda car park in George Street would also be created.

Steve Lewis, assistant regeneration director at Walsall Council, said: "The Markets Working Group has recommended the relocation of the market to Lower Hall Lane should be supported.

"Whilst the new market is being developed, Walsall Market should be temporarily relocated to The Bridge from early 2009 onwards.

"The aim of the proposal will be to create a more attractive and better functioning market for traders and shoppers alike." No date has been set for completion of the new market.

Consultants Quarterbridge Project Management were brought in by the council to look at possible new locations for the market and have recommended Lower Hall Lane as their preferred site to the Markets Working Group.

Members of the regeneration and scrutiny panel will discuss the proposals on Thursday and make recommendations to cabinet who have the final say on whether the market should move.

By Emma Tate