Market traders on Walsall historic outdoor market may be in line for a late Christmas present which could bring more stallholders to the town.

Traders on the market, which recently moved from its previous site in Digbeth to The Bridge, said they were hopeful that Walsall Council may reduce rental charges for stalls during the traditionally quieter ‘kipper month’ period when trade is slower due to poor weather.

Karen Sands, chairman of the Walsall Market Traders Association, said she was hoping the local authority approves a reduction in stall rental during January, February and March.

Rental for individual stalls could be reduced by £5 per day in a bid to attract more market traders and shoppers to the town.
Last year, the future of the market was thrown into uncertainty when Walsall Council unveiled controversial proposals to part privatise the market.

The proposal sparked protests from traders, shoppers and West Midlands UKIP MEP Mike Nattrass and as support for the campaign mounted the plan was scrapped by the local authority which later approved the move of the market to The Bridge.

Now, traders are hoping that stall rental will be reduced to continue the market’s renaissance.
Karen Sands said: “Trade went mad on the market in the few days before Christmas.

“ We are hoping to hear soon from Walsall Council concerning reduced rent during the kipper month period of January, February and March.

“ Reduced rents would be a really big boost to the traders. £5 does not sound a lot but it all adds up. What we want people to see is a vibrant and fully occupied market.

“ We are confident that our move to The Bridge will be a runaway success. The town was heaving a few days before Christmas and we have had some really great feedback from the public concerning our new site,” she added.

Mike Nattrass hopes the rent reduction, if granted approval, will act as a catalyst for increased trade in Walsall
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“ Last year, things looked very different on the market. It faced part privatisation and market traders were concerned about the future,” he said.

“ Now, Walsall Market remains the people’s market and occupies a prime town centre site. I now, along with the traders, hope rent will be reduced to continue the market’s resurgence.

“ The market is a proud part of Walsall’s heritage and its growth should be encouraged,” he added.

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