Outdoor market returns to town after five years

Gavin Kermack
BBC News, West Midlands
BBC Several market stalls under blue- and white-striped awnings. A sign in one reads "FRESH FRUIT & VEG", with food laid out in boxes on a table.BBC
Redditch has not had an outdoor market since 2020

A popular outdoor market has returned for the first time in five years.

The market in Redditch, Worcestershire, was last held in 2020 when its contract came to an end.

It reopened on Saturday and will continue to operate two days a week.

Redditch Borough Council approved its return last year, saying it would "re-invigorate" the area.

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a white top under a green jacket, stands in front of market stalls under blue and white awnings on a sunny day.
Rachel Egan from Redditch Borough Council said the future was bright for the market

It offers fresh produce, artisan goods and hand-made items.

"In terms of the future of the market, this is just the beginning," said Rachel Egan, the council's assistant director of regeneration and property.

"We have more space for stalls and we're also talking to the local college about whether we can work with them to kick-start some entrepreneurs and people taking their first step into retail."

The market in Alcester Street is open each Thursday and Saturday from 09:00 BST to 16:00.

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