DUDLEY Market traders fear potential changes to their working terms and conditions could leave them struggling to make ends meet.

Currently, those who trade at the outdoor market on Dudley High Street benefit from holiday and chronic illness cover.

But that could be a thing of the past from July 1, as Dudley Council has put the market contract out to tender to ensure the "right management team is in place to create a buzzing, thriving market".

Len Lenihan, of Dudley Market Traders Ltd, which currently runs the market, said: "Traders feel their livelihoods have been put at risk as a result of the current terms and conditions not being translated into the new tender documents. They have enjoyed holiday and chronic sickness cover for decades.

"They feel they have been snubbed. There are people and families who have worked on this market for many years and they now have no certainty about their trading position."

Wayne Thomas, who runs a vaping and smoking accessories stall, said: "We are not against someone else taking over, it's our rights that we are worried about."

He said the current rules meant stallholders suffering from chronic illnesses could have time off without paying rent, providing they had a doctor's note.

The 37-year-old said traders also benefitted from rent-free holidays, with the entitlement differing, depending on how many days individuals worked.

"We have followed these rules for decades and now they have been thrown out of the tender document and whoever comes in can do what they like," he said.

"All of the traders are disgusted with the way the council have treated us - there was no consultation, we heard it second hand that they had put the contract out to tender."

Mr Thomas, who has traded on the market for 20 years, said traders were also concerned rents could go up under new management, which would leave some struggling to stay afloat.

The successful bid is expected to be announced later this month.

However traders, determined to make their feelings known, have hung up 'Save Our Market' banners and launched a petition - urging the council to withdraw the tender - which has attracted more than 4,700 signatures.

Stuart Connelly, the council’s head of visitor economy and cultural services, said: "Ultimately, the council’s aim is to ensure the right management team is in place to create a buzzing, thriving market in the town centre for years to come.

“The contract to run the market is currently out to tender. Dudley Market Traders Ltd, which currently runs the market, will be given the opportunity to bid. If successful, the company would have the right to impose its own terms and conditions.

“Equally, if a different company is successful in winning the tender, it should also be able to do the same."