SHOPPERS have been urged to support Bromsgrove Market once stalls are allowed to reopen - amid fears more than a third of the country's markets may never return.

A national survey of market operators by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) reveals 35% believe their market will not reopen due to financial effects of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Bromsgrove Council, however, says it is already looking into reopening feasibility plans for its High Street market - but admits stallholders will desperately need shoppers' support to survive.

A spokesperson said: “Our traders come from a wide range of backgrounds and are often self employed.

"But they also may not have their company registered in the District or even live here so would benefit from support in their local area.

“We look forward to welcoming them back, and new traders too, once the Government says its safe for our market to reopen.

"And we are reviewing plans on how to do so, when the time comes and within the national guidance.”

Nevertheless, NABMA is calling on the government to provide financial assistance to markets to ensure they can get back up and running.

Its survey shows fewer than just over a fifth - 22% - of markets have enjoyed any trading since March and that footfall has dropped by up to 90%.

A NABMA statement added: "Of the greatest concern is that 35% of operators, from both private and local authority markets, now fear their markets may never open again.

"That figure could increase as markets that have been forced to close may struggle to start back due to the logistics of safely introducing social distancing to protect their market staff, traders and customers.

"As many traders can now benefit from business support measures as already available from government, then a specific request is made for a similar support package to be made available to market operators.

"Local authority operators, in particular, are experiencing huge losses of rental income that currently fall outside of any current government business support."

NABMA chief executive David Preston added: "Markets have been at the heart of shaping and supporting their local communities for centuries.

"Without urgent government financial support then it is now possible that over a third of the current market network in the UK could disappear."