THE £6.7million regeneration of Dudley’s historic market place has taken a big step forwards.

Market traders will today (Monday) pack up their temporary pitches and transfer to the modern stands.

They will move into temporary locations in the new market while the finishing touches are made to the stalls and the market area, to allow paving to be installed further across the market place.

Councillor Judy Foster, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The regeneration of the town centre is taking place before our eyes and quality of the finish has been a priority from the start.

"This can be seen with the new stone paving that has and continues to be laid, the new public toilets, the new trees on Castle Street, complete with feature lighting, provide a welcome entrance to the town centre, the Duncan Edwards statue has been repositioned, providing greater prominence and now the market stalls are ready for initial occupation."

She continued: "All large regeneration projects take time to complete, but it’s great to be at a stage now where everyone can start to see the results.

“I would like to thank businesses, shops, traders, residents, shoppers and visitors, for their continued patience and support.”

The regeneration of Dudley town centre, which includes the newly designed market with 74 stalls, new paving, feature lighting and street furniture, is due to complete in the summer.