DUDLEY Market is to full reopen next week after the government gave the green light for outdoor markets to get back to business.

Tudor Markets, which runs the market, is planning for stalls to fully reopen next week after the Prime Minister confirmed that they could reopen from June 1 as part of step two in easing the lockdown.

Dudley Market has been partially open throughout lockdown for shoppers to buy food and essential items, but the new announcement means more stalls can return to the town centre.

James Willis from Tudor Markets, said: "Dudley Market has remained partially open throughout the coronavirus pandemic to allow shoppers to buy food and essential items from a small number of stalls.

"I’m now really pleased we can start putting plans in place to welcome the return of more traders and shoppers to the market.

"We will approach this with caution and are working hard to make sure social distancing guidelines can be followed to protect the safety of traders and shoppers.

"We anticipate most of our traders will choose to return from June 1."

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise at Dudley Council, said: "Across the country, town centres have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and we’re pleased we’re now able to take the first steps towards reopening our town centres and supporting the recovery of our economy.

"Dudley Market is the lifeblood of the town and I look forward to seeing it fully operational again.

"We know there’s still a long way to go and this is why I would urge people to continue to maintain social distancing and follow the guidelines."