A MARKET trader belonging to a group of stallholders set to be evicted from their premises by the Co-op after it sold the building to a high street retailer has poured scorn on its offer to help them relocate.

Peter Dudley, owner of the Dudley Blind Company in Stourport's Indoor Market, was sent a letter from Midcounties Co-Operative, on Tuesday, listing alternative sites for the traders as far away as Banbury, in Oxfordshire, because the firm had no suitable properties in Wyre Forest.

He said: "Co-op sent all the traders a letter to say they had no properties for us in Kidderminster or Stourport but also sent a list of properties which may be offered, including sites in Banbury, Wolverhampton, Evesham and Rugby, all ranging from between £3,000 to £30,000 annual leases.

"At least three businesses here will close and I shall have to work from home.

"I don't want to do that but we feel we've been dumped on from a great height by Co-op."

A meeting between Wyre Forest District Council's leader, Stephen Clee, economic development officers and four Lombard Street-based stallholders was held at Stourport's Civic Centre, on Monday.

Mr Dudley said the meeting had been "very interesting and helpful" with the council now making enquiries about possible alternative sites , including the Old Severns Bar, on Lombard Street.