Rent has been halved for stall holders still operating on Dudley Market through lockdown, council bosses said today.

Only traders selling essential goods are currently permitted to trade during the current lockdown, with fruit and veg and pet food sellers still active on their stalls. But with footfall down and stallholders struggling, operator Tudor Markets asked the council to consider a reduction in rent.

Council chiefs agreed to a 50 per cent cut, which will be backdated to the start of the year. It will be in place until the end of March at least. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

"Markets are the lifeblood of any town, and we want to do all we can to protect the livelihoods of our valued stall-holders during these continued difficult times. We are offering the 50 per cent reduction for three months to those who are still able to trade.

"It will be reviewed if it looks like lockdown will continue beyond then. By keeping our Dudley market partially open, it will help alleviate the pressure on supermarkets and reduce the risk of crowding in these shops. It will also enable people to make shorter journeys to buy essential food items."