MP calls for more support for market traders
The Government has been urged to boost funding for Black Country market stallholders as part of new measures to support trade.
Wolverhampton North East MP Jane Stevenson said she wanted government support for market traders, after a decline in the number of stallholders across a number of the region's markets.
In his first intervention in the Commons, Ms Stevenson told Local Growth Minister Jake Berry that Wolverhampton city centre, as well as local high streets such as Wednesfield, had "struggled" in recent years.
She said she welcomed funding from the Government’s Stronger Towns Fund, and added: "Will the Minister work with me so that local traders and retail businesses all over Wolverhampton North East, including market traders on Wednesfield High Street, feel confident that this Government will support their hard work and further local regeneration?"
In response Mr Berry urged MPs to get behind local bids for High Street and her Towns funding.
Market traders in Wednesfield have highlighted a decline in the number of stallholders, while more than 2,000 local residents have signed a petition to Wolverhampton Council accusing it of a lack of support.
They are calling for adequate roofing to protect stalls from bad weather and improved parking.
