LEGAL action is being taken against the current operator of Bromsgrove's high street market.

CJ Events Warwickshire served notice to end its partnership with North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWEDR) in February, nearly halfway through its five-year agreement to operate the market.

External operator CJ Events was set to pay £95,000 back to Bromsgrove District Council through NWEDR, which is administered by Wyre Forest District Council, over the five-year period.

But a question from Cllr Charles Hotham at last night's full council meeting revealed that only £11,000 had been paid.

District cllr Karen May, whose portfolio covers economic development, said: "I can confirm that there is an outstanding debt from CJ Events Ltd to Wyre Forest District Council for the running of the market and that Wyre Forest District Council have now instigated legal proceedings for the recovery of this debt.”

Bromsgrove Districts Council will run the market in-house from June.

A spokesman for CJ Events said: "Bromsgrove market hasn’t been viable for some time hence us pulling out from the management of this.

"Along with the bad weather we’ve had over the winter, this has caused issues with the finances of this market.

"We have tried to work closely with NWEDR who manage the market on the council's behalf, however have received no support whatsoever from the team since we took over, and feel we have been let down massively.

"We are talking to Wyre Forest District Council to ensure this outstanding issue is resolved as quickly and as professionally as possible without the need for legal action."