TRADERS at Southend’s York Road Market can have their say about its future before any final decision is made by the council.

For many years, the Southend Council has planned to demolish the market as part of a redevelopment scheme for Tylers Avenue car park and the surrounding area.

The scheme would have been paid for by private developers, but has now been put on hold because money has dried up due to the recession.

Officers will be talking to the market’s tenants about possible refurbishment, or even rebuilding, either on the existing site or somewhere else within the town centre.

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft said: “There are a number of options open for York Road market, and we want to make sure we consult with the existing tenants before we make any decision.

“It is open for a full discussion and we hope we can find a way forward which will be acceptable to everyone.”

Mr Holdcroft has previously said he realises York Road Market is valued by many people in the town and the important part it has played in its history.

Tenants gave a muted welcome to the decision made by the cabinet and discussing the future with them.

Birehem Boualili, from Shoebury, has been running Superior Sofas, with his brother for the past four months.

He said: “It’s been going very well since we have been here. It is good news the council wants to talk to us about the future because it is a popular place for a lot of people.”

However, Patrick Baker of Gumbi Records, a long established trader, struck a more cynical note.

He said: “I don’t believe they will take any notice of what we say as they haven’t bothered in the past.

“I hope they do, because there is so much which could be done here.”