A PLAN to run a trial of having market stalls in Bromsgrove High Street has been welcomed by shopkeepers who took part in a survey.

The district council sent out 130 letters to traders in the town centre asking for their views. So far 58 have replied indicating that they agree to the scheme with only six against.

If adopted the experiment may take place before Christmas.

The council hopes it will be as successful as the monthly farmers' market which is reckoned to be one of the best in the Midlands.

However, some regular market traders are upset claiming they have not been consulted on the possible move which may be a forerunner to the time when the Market Hall site is redeveloped.

As yet no timescale has been put on the redevelopment which they fear will see the ten-year-old purpose-built market hall bulldozed. The scheme is one of three in the pipeline aimed at rejuvenating the town centre.

Market traders are also worried about a likely further fall off in business following news that the twice weekly auction of produce will in future only be held on Fridays, therefore resulting in fewer visitors to the market.

Bromsgrove - a 'market town' since at least the sixth century - is one of only a handful to retain the auction which has been a feature of Bromsgrove for well over a century.

Auctioneer Wally Widdowson, who comes from Wisbech, claims the £50 per day rent means it is no longer viable. He plans to continue as long as possible to maintain the tradition and keep faith with customers.

Market traders claim trade is at present the worst it has been in the last 40 years, partly due to the uncertainty hanging over its future.

But Peter Michael, the council's economic development officer, this week insisted the market must pay its way.

"Unfortunately the auctioneer tells me he cannot make two markets per week profitable. It would be wrong for the council to subsidise a private business such as this," he said.