Walsall stallholders 'face loss of earnings' over Torch procession

Stallholders on Walsall Market will make a "substantial loss" of earnings if they are uprooted to make way for the Olympic Torch to pass through the town, it is claimed.

Traders have revealed up to 25 of the 100 stalls on the market may have to move when the torch makes its long-anticipated visit to the town on June 30.

Hundreds of people are expected to flood the streets and make the day one of the busiest of the year. It has, however, emerged today that traders may have to move for the route.

Tony Larner, chairman of the Market Traders Association, said talks had been held with the authority over whether stalls can be relocated to elsewhere in the town centre and he was seeking compensation.

He said traders were afraid they could lose earnings. "It could be a substantial amount on that day," he added. "We are hoping to relocate some traders if they want that. We want to get the best deal for them."

It is the second recent announcement of upheaval for stallholders, as the market will be split into two while a multi-million pound redevelopment takes shape in the town centre to attract big name employers Primark and Co-op.

More than 30 stalls face being uprooted from their pitches in Digbeth to Old Square Market so that construction vehicles can gain access to the Old Square Shopping Centre, where the two new stores will be built.

Stalls on The Bridge will be able to stay where they are. But Mr Larner said traders were still waiting to find out when work will start on the development, which is expected to create around 160 new jobs. He said: "There's no further progress at the moment. We are still in the dark."

There are around 100 stalls on the 800-year-old Walsall Market.

The Olympic flame will also be passing through Streethay, Lichfield, Great Wyrley, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Dudley.

By Lisa O'Brien