Rent cuts for market traders disrupted by revamp

Traders in a town's market are being told everything possible will be done to keep them open while it is overhauled.

Telford and Wrekin Council is due to spend £4m on improving the building which houses Wellington market as well as redesigning the layout, improving accessibility and updating the toilets.

The authority said it wanted to work with the traders and would offer cuts in their rent for any which have to move during the work.

A spokesperson added they would promote the market, to remind customers it was open for business as usual while the revamp is carried out.

The work is due to start this summer and the authority's spokesperson said support for traders was drawn up after meetings with business owners.

They said they would guarantee a rent-free period for the duration that any trader is temporarily moved during the works.

Traders would also be given a rental cut of 50% up to the point they are moved and an extra rental concession of 50% for the first six months of trading in their permanent location, they said.

Councillors Ollie Vickers said: "It's essential that we carry out this investment works now, otherwise the market's future is in serious jeopardy."

But he also promised to "work closely with traders during the refurbishment".

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