Dudley Council has committed to addressing significant problems at a recently revamped town centre market area, which has become blighted by pigeons and anti-social behaviour despite a substantial £150,000 investment. The new eating space in High Street market, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, was intended to boost local business but has instead attracted criticism for being underutilised and unsanitary.
Seasonal Usage and Immediate Clean-Up Plans
Councillor Damian Corfield, Dudley's cabinet member for neighbourhoods, acknowledged the issues while emphasising that usage of the seating area tends to be seasonal. He stated, "We see higher use in the warmer months and when there are activities in the town centre." In response to concerns about cleanliness, the council has announced immediate action.
Cleansing teams will jet-wash the area to remove pigeon droppings and other debris, with longer-term solutions currently under consideration. Councillor Corfield stressed, "We absolutely agree that this needs to be a clean, welcoming space."
Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour
Beyond the pigeon problem, the area has reportedly attracted alcohol-swigging yobs and drunken hooligans, creating an unwelcoming atmosphere. To combat this, Dudley Council is progressing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the town centre.
If approved, this order would enable council street officers to patrol the area alongside police, with enforcement action taken where necessary against anti-social behaviour. Councillor Corfield added, "Improving cleanliness, safety and confidence in the market is essential to making it a welcoming place for traders, residents, and visitors."
Political Criticism and Consultation Concerns
Labour councillor Shaukat Ali has criticised the Conservative administration, claiming the current problems were predictable and that market traders were not adequately consulted. He argued, "At every opportunity we warned that cosmetic changes to the market would not tackle the real issues."
Cllr Ali emphasised that voices of market traders and residents who regularly use the town centre were ignored during the planning stages. This criticism highlights ongoing political tensions regarding the effectiveness of the market revamp project.
Future Prospects for Dudley Market
The council remains committed to transforming the market into a vibrant community hub. While the £150,000 investment has not yet delivered the hoped-for boost to business, officials believe that combined efforts addressing cleanliness and safety will improve the situation.
With warmer weather approaching and planned cleansing operations, Dudley Council hopes to see increased usage of the seating area. The proposed PSPO represents a significant step toward creating a more secure environment for all visitors and traders in the town centre market.
