WICKFORD has been given a new lease of life as shoppers flock to sample its revamped market.

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, met with traders at the newly-created Market Lane and re-paved High Street, at the weekend, to open the latest phase of the market.

Residents and visitors can now pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, jewellery, flowers, plants and gifts. Vicky’s Cafe and Jac in a Box hairdressers are also thriving since opening in permanent kiosks.

The move from the old location, behind the present site, is being made in stages, but nearly 30 stallholders will soon be displaying toys, pet supplies, shoes, bags and clothes from brightly-coloured gazebos.

Vicky Patmore, who runs Vicky’s Cafe, said: “I might have had more room in the old market, but it’s a lot more pleasant working in the new kiosk.

“My regular customers have stuck with me and I’m getting more passing trade.”

The remaining stalls are set to be in place within the next fewweeks.

Mr Turner said the £700,000 High Street revamp is just the start of major changes to come for Wickford.

He said: “We can clearly see the new direction the market is taking now. It looks fantastic, and it’s going to get even better.

“We have spent ten years getting this together for Wickford, and everything is finally coming together.

“When we start looking at it, the extra investment is going to benefit residents, market traders and shopowners. The market is part of the community again and it has bought a new lease of life to the town.”

He now wants to put more plants and flowers in the town centre, following suggestions from residents.

Plans have been submitted to build a two-storey health centre on the old market site, replacing the London Road GP surgery.

Basildon Council has also been revamping Wickford Swimming Pool, in Market Avenue, with a new reception area, changing rooms, viewing facilities and state-of-the-art dance and fitness studio.

Extra cash has also been set aside to spruce up the town’s shopfronts.