Market plan angers MEP
A MIDLAND Euro MP today criticised a Black Country council over plans to tender out a 50 per cent stake of its 800-year-old market.
Earlier this week, Walsall Borough Council announced plans to form a management body with the private sector, enabling a 50-50 share of a new management company for the market.
UKIP West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass, a member of the Committee on Transport and Tourism at the European Parliament, accused the council of abandoning the market.
He said: “The way Walsall Council has abandoned Walsall Market is appalling. Would London walk away from the Houses of Parliament or the Tower of London in this way?
“Walsall Market is a major attraction. It could be really buzzing again and be a hub for trade, giving a boost to other businesses in the town.
“But it could now be sold off abroad, which is disgraceful.
“Shoving the market in Lower Hall Lane would be a disastrous step and throw the future of the market in serious doubt.”
Cabinet councillors have hailed the plan as a huge breakthrough for the market, now based at Old Square.
Council regeneration boss Coun Adrian Andrew said: “This will herald a major new era for the market and is a hugely exciting venture, not just for the council but for whoever becomes our partner in this joint venture.”
The council’s cabinet will discuss the issue later this month.
