MARKET traders could launch a last ditch attempt to take over the running of the popular attraction.
The move comes as Redditch Borough Council looks to hand over the market to a private organisation and potentially slash its trading days from five to three.
An executive committee is set to back the plans at a meeting next Tuesday (July 14) which would also include delegating the appointment of a contractor to Wyre Forest District Council.
The current market, which is managed by North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration group, is expected to cost more than £87,000 for 2015/16.
It is hoped bringing in an external contractor for an initial term of five years will reduce that cost, while opening up an opportunity to introduce a variety of markets on selected days.
But Bob Whiston, a member of the Market Traders Federation, said traders were looking to put a proposal forward where they would run the market as a co-operative.
“They tried two years ago to bring it down to three days but the majority said no – five days won the battle in the end.
“Just over half of the traders work four or five days a week and they have mortgages to pay and families to feed and look after. How would they do that on just three days?
“Traders could end up looking to go elsewhere.”
