AN emergency plan to save Wickford’s struggling High Street is to be launched after three stores shut in a month.

Empty shops could be turned into “pop-up”, temporary businesses after Basildon Council suggested filling the High Street with budding entrepreneurs, but some traders say they should be the ones receiving help.

The suggestion comes as Tickled Pink and PJ’s Baby and Children’s Wear announced they were shutting and Coleby’s jewellers said it was moving to Billericay.

The council hopes to negotiate low rents on empty premises and wants locals to express interest in running a trial business.

If it is a hit, empty high streets across the district could receive the same treatment.