TRADERS, shoppers and community leaders have hailed the launch of a new market a major success.

Basildon Market officially relaunched yesterday after relocating from Market Square, Basildon, to St Martin’s Square, Basildon.

Traders and shoppers were upbeat about the new-look market, which features 46 kiosks as well as pop-up stalls.

Herschel Lester, 50, from Basildon, runs Herschel’s Snack Bar and Cafe.

He said: “I think the new market is great. Now it’s all open it is looking really good.

“I took over this business in June and it’s been going well. The feedback from customers has been really good.

“People are liking the new modern look of the market.”

The market offers some traditional stalls such as fruit and vegetables as well.

Kit Day from Basildon has run Kit’s Haberdashery for about 40 years.

She said she is pleased with the new cabin.

The trader said: “The only issue is the cabin could have been a bit bigger. I have so much stock and don’t know where it will all go. Other than that it is all wonderful. The customers seem quite happy as well.”

The new market has also seen some new businesses opening up.

Neil Sharpe, 34, from Basildon, has opened a gaming stall.

His business Game Console Station was online before he opened the stall.

He said the cabin pitch is bigger than he expected.

Mr Sharpe said: “I have no complaints at all so far. Everyone is happy with the market and they are pleased with the products I am selling. I think it will be popular in the town centre.”

Andrew Baggott, Tory leader of Basildon Council, said the council is delighted with how well the new market has been received.

The council leader said this is just the start of ambitious plans for the town centre.

He said: “We hope it will be popular in the community - why wouldn’t it be?

“This is really good news and as always it is nice to see plans come into place with the new market.

“It is a great facility and it has so much to offer.”

Basildon Council has worked with Basildon Town Centre Management Ltd (BTCM) and contractor Thomas Sinden on the relocation.

The market’s move is part of a larger project which will see the Basildon South Essex College Campus move from Nethermayne, Basildon to the former market site.

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