DUDLEY indoor market traders have been left devastated after bosses revealed the site is shutting up shop in three weeks’ time.

Spencers Instore Market on the High Street is set to close on Saturday, July 23, with traders only told the shock news in a letter over the weekend.

Many stallholders have already put up signs to tell their customers of the news as they begin selling off their stock, with one stallholder even breaking down in tears as he confirmed the closure.

Fellow trader, Bally Chahal, owns Brambles Café, which has been situated in the rear of the market for three-and-ahalf years.

She said: “We are all devastated. It was such a shock when we read the letter.

“It didn’t even give us a reason why, it just said it is closing and they want us out by 5pm on July 24, which doesn’t give us much time to empty our pitches.

“Everyone in business is struggling at the moment, it is like that everywhere, but we thought we were ticking along. We are busy and I just can’t see any reason why we are shutting “I employee three girls, but we are going to all be unemployed. Things are tough anyhow at this time, but to be jobless as well is a huge blow.”

The market, which took over the former BHS premises, has been in situ since 1990 and currently houses around 30 stalls, selling a variety of wares from clothing, jewellery and accessories to meat and household furniture.

It is believed new lease negotiations have led to the closure decision.

The latest loss for the town centre follows the departure of Beatties, H Samuel, Dorothy Perkins and Thorntons, which have all closed in recent months.

However it is also believed a new ‘multinational’ store has already been lined up to take over the premises.

Councillor Angus Adams, cabinet member for regeneration, said the closure should not be “doom and gloom” for the town.

Cllr Adams said: “It was a surprise, as we didn’t know anything was happening, but other Spencers Markets have already closed down.

“But some people in there have been trading for many years and I do feel sorry for them, but there are opportunities for them.

“There is another indoor market opposite and the outdoor market, which both have spaces available.

“I have heard there is another multinational chain moving into the premises, so I just hope it is somebody ready and willing to move in straight away.

“This I not a time for doom and gloom, it is a time for opportunity.”