Locals ‘frustrated’ as town market forced to move off high street
Councillors have said they are "extremely disappointed" that a town market will have to find a new home away from the high street following a dispute over traffic regulations. Wickford Market has been operating on the pedestrianised high street each Saturday since May 2021, with a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order that kept the high street car-free.
Basildon Council said it hoped that this would become the permanent home following a formal consultation with traders, residents and transport companies. However, the council said it could not secure permanent Saturday closure of the High Street due to objections from bus companies, and as this could not be mitigated, it means the market can no longer operate on the high street.
Councillors have spoken out about the popularity of the market and how they are "disheartened", "disappointed" and "extremely frustrated" at having to find a new home for the event. The last Wickford Market on the high street is taking place today (Saturday, June 17) and will be moving to a temporary home on Market Lane while the search begins for a permanent new home.
Craig Rimmer, Basildon councillor responsible for economic stimulus and tourism, said: "We worked tirelessly to secure the future of Wickford Market in its rightful location, and are extremely frustrated to hear of these objections that have put the market at risk and forced us to permanently move location.
"I understand how popular and loved the market is by both residents and traders and unfortunately it is against our will that this will be disrupted. We have moved quickly to secure a temporary location so that the market can continue trading and will endeavour to secure a permanent location for the market to operate in the future."
In a joint statement, county councillors Tony Ball and Malcolm Buckley, for Wickford, said: "Wickford Market is part of the town and is critical to the economic success of the High Street. We are disheartened that this has been challenged, and resulted in a new location needing to be secured. Despite today's news, we are pleased to see the market will continue trading as usual until a more permanent location has been agreed."
Derek Harrison, Chairman of Wickford Town Council said: "Wickford Market has operated within the high street for over two years, and I am hugely disappointed with the news of its future in this well-loved location. The market is a necessity for our town, and I am pleased we are already working to find a new location that will enable this vital function to continue."
References
- ^ The latest news from Wickford (www.essexlive.news)