A UNIQUE pilot project could see Dudley market being run by stall holders.

Discussions have been taking place between Dudley Council and a number of traders after they expressed a desire to take over the day-to-day running of the market.

The project would see traders set up a not-for-profit organisation and for it to take over the direct management of the market for an initial 12 months.

They would work in partnership with the council to widen the market’s appeal and build on the ongoing regeneration of the town, meaning that specialist markets could be introduced during evenings and on Sundays, to increase the number of visitors.

Councillor Judy Foster, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “There is a real appetite in Dudley and people are positively reacting to the significant regeneration that is taking place; they simply want to be part of the opportunities this will bring.

“The council continues to work hard to support local people and small businesses through being a true community council and this pilot project demonstrates that Dudley continues to listen to its communities and lead the way in doing things differently.”

The decision will be taken at the council’s cabinet meeting on March 11. If approved, traders would take over the running of Dudley market from August 1.

If successful, there is an option to extend the pilot by a further 12 months.

Chair of Dudley market traders, Len Lenihan, added: “We have worked closely with the council throughout the £6.7m redevelopment of Dudley market place and we can see the potential for protecting Dudley’s traditional market offer as well as doing things differently to attract new shoppers and visitors.

“Dudley market has a number of long standing traders which demonstrates our commitment to the town and the people of Dudley and with a brand new market we now feel that the time is right.

“We are Dudley market and we want to help shape, grow and influence the market in the months and years ahead.”

The contractual relationship for the use of the market would remain between the trader and the council and traders would collect stall rents on behalf of the council.