The future of Walsalls historic outdoor market has been secured following intense campaigning from traders and UKIP MEP Mike Nattrass.

Walsall Councils Development Control Committee has approved plans to move the market from the Digbeth area of the town to The Bridge much to the delight of stallholders.

In June, Walsall Council scrapped proposals to part privatise the market following backlash from shoppers and traders and a campaign spearheaded by Mr Nattrass for the plan to be ditched.

This week, traders have expressed their relief and joy that the move to the prime site on The Bridge has been approved.

The market will be situated initially on The Bridge for a year and the success of the move will be assessed by the council when the twelve-month period comes to an end.
Karen Sands, from Walsall Market Traders Association, said: “We are absolutely ecstatic that the move has at long last been approved.

It will secure the future of Walsall Market and I know it will help boost trade in the town.

It is a win win situation and the move has been four years in the making. I would like to thank shoppers, councillors and Mike Nattrass for their support.

We have safeguarded the market for the people of Walsall. This is great news for the market and the town, she added.

 MIKE NATTRASS MEP

 Office 0121 333 7737

 123 New John Street, Birmingham B6 4LD