BROMSGROVE council has the expertise to make the town centre market a success and should not offer the operations contract to an external provider, says a councillor.

Current operators CJ Events Warwickshire will end its deal to run the market in June, telling the Advertiser the site wasn’t successful enough and is no longer financially viable.

Bromsgrove District Council said they will begin the procurement process to find a new operator in March, but Labour cllr Michael Thompson feels this isn’t the best option.

Cllr Thompson, who will raise the point at Wednesday’s (Feb 21) council meeting, said: “The commercial director of CJ Events believes the market is not financially viable.

“I, however, do. I believe in the people and businesses of Bromsgrove - and I believe the town centre can and should support a flourishing and financially viable market.

“The council has adopted a plan that intends to make Bromsgrove a centre for enterprise and business. I am asking the council to lead by example in the very heart of the town.

“With councillors from all sides – and officers - working together - surely we can give businesses and customers a better deal by investing our own expertise into running the town centre, rather than outsourcing.”

Council will discuss the question at Wednesday night's meeting.