UKIP FIGHTING FOR WALSALL MARKET

Walsall market granted by the Crown and uncared for by Walsall MBC.Furious UKIP campaigners in Walsall have pledged to take a stand with traders on the towns historic outdoor market whose future has been plunged into uncertainty. West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass and fellow members of the UK Independence Party will meet with traders on Friday 24th April, 2009, to discuss disgraceful plans to sell off half of Walsall market to a private firm.

Members of UKIP met on Monday to discuss plans by Walsall Council to tender out a huge stake in Walsall market across the European Union which could in turn see the market falling into foreign hands. Representatives of Walsall UKIP are also strongly against plans to move the market, which dates back around 800 years, to Lower Hall Lane.

UKIP West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass, who is a member of the Committee on Transport and Tourism at the European Parliament, said: “Under the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), Walsall Council must put out to tender, across the EU, the contract for Walsall market. “A 50 per cent stake of the town’s historic market, which is very much loved by the people of Walsall, could fall into foreign hands.

“The future of the market should be guided by the people of Walsall and not by the European Union. “Walsall Council should hang its head in shame over this. Walsall Market traders have my full support.” Derek Bennett, chairman of UKIP in Walsall, added: “The market is an important part of Walsall’s rich heritage and its future should be safeguarded for future generations. “It appears the council is just walking away from the market and the market traders themselves.”