Eyesore market seating to be relocated

Benches removed from the market in Dudley after becoming an eyesore and magnet for yobs are to be relocated to Himley Hall.

The benches were installed in 2025 at a cost of £150,000 which was funded by the  government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), administered by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The new seating area was designed to attract shoppers however instead proved popular with Dudley’s pigeon population and hooligans.

Anne Boyd, director of growth and place at Dudley Council, said: “Market traders in Dudley town centre recently raised concerns that marketplace seating was sometimes creating issues around antisocial behaviour.

“We have now removed the seating from the marketplace with it now benefiting visitors to Himley Hall and Park.

“Initially it will be used within the walled garden area to support the upcoming pumpkin event and winter light trails. In the spring the intention will be to relocate seating to the terrace area creating additional outdoor seating for visitors to the coffee lounge.”

As news of the benches’ removal in early October spread on social media, members of the public delivered their verdict on the failed project.

On Facebook, Mal Pratt said: “It could have been useful, but it wasn’t suitable and didn’t look good even before it was spoiled. People won’t stop and sit in Dudley centre until there’s a reason to do so – coffee stand, more interesting stalls, lack of electric bikes.”

Steve Thatcher added: “Spent all our money on a white elephant..dont need a seating area in the market. Parking charges should be reduced. Market traders should only pay a minor fee for a stall.”

Jennie Watson thinks the plan was not thought through, she said: “Did they not realise at the time of planning that it would be open to the local pigeons and because some people don’t bother to clean up after themselves there would be discarded food scraps for the pigeons to feast on.”

The project was launched with an optimistic message from Dudley Council who hoped the seating would boost business for traders and attract pop up food stalls.

Speaking in April 2025 when work began, Cllr Paul Bradley, deputy leader of the council, said: “We intend to install CCTV as a measure to assist in preventing antisocial behaviour, while also making stalls more flexible to assist traders.

“The market refurbishment is intended to benefit all traders in the town, not just those on the market, and I hope it will become a real central hub and gathering point for visitors.”

The council is yet to answer questions from the Local Democracy Reporting Service on the cost of relocating the benches and whether it will repay the funding for the benches.

Anne Boyd said: “Dudley Council is working closely with Dudley town centre traders and community groups as our programme of regeneration continues to bring investment to the town.”

By Martyn Smith | Local Democracy Reporting Service