TRADERS at Basildon Market have spoken of their high hopes of moving to a new site and seeing trade flourish.

Bosses at South Essex College, in Nethermayne, unveiled plans last week to build a £30million campus in Market Square, on the current market site.

That would mean moving the market to St Martin’s Square in the town centre.

Kathy Newton, who has run A Cut Above butchers in the market for three years, said the plans were a great idea.

She said: “Traders here cannot wait for this to happen and we are with them. The current market is tired and needs refreshing and rejuvenating. We are doing really well, but with the move comes so many positives.

“The town centre location will be great and with a new college there will be a lot more passing trade. We will also get a new cabin and be able to expand our stock, which will be great.”

Ali Moshur, 44, who runs T Home Furnishings selling beds and other furniture, said he was for the new market, but worried about deliveries and how customers would pick up purchases.

Basildon Market is owned by the Basildon Town Centre Management Company. Its general manager, Hans Wustefeld, said it had been keeping traders up-to-date on the plans.

He added: “The plans to move the market are part of Basildon Council’s regeneration scheme. We are happy in the current location, but if we are moved we will make the most of the location.

“Some of the traders are worried and some are excited, some have traded in Basildon for 25 years and are worried about change.

“I hope moving the market to a more central location will turn round the prospects for Basildon. This will not be a pop-up market which is being proposed for Pitsea. There will be cabins with storage and we believe St Martin’s Square is a location which could work for us. We are in talks with the traders all the time and want to know how they all feel about the plans.”