Market traders' fears on new seating charge

Market traders in the Walsall borough are poised to be charged extra for putting out tables and chairs.

Caterers who provide seating areas for customers could be hit with an additional charge of up to £5 a table on top of their daily rent.

Stallholders on the markets in Walsall, Willenhall and Bloxwich are charged between £15 and £40 depending on the pitch. Walsall Council says that rents will remain the same but the extra fee for tables and seats which take up any additional space is under review.

Tony Larner, chairman of the Market Traders Association, said he was concerned over extra charges for traders which could deter them from putting out tables and chairs for customers.

"Some people don't want to be walking around with sandwiches; it has a European feel with people sitting around and attracts customers to the market," he said.

Read the full story in the Express & Star.