WICKFORD High Street will continue to close on Saturdays for the market in a move labelled “a massive boost” for the town.

In May of last year Basildon Council launched the market which saw Wickford High Street closed on Saturdays to entice customers as part of a trial to improve the town’s economy.

On Tuesday night councillors voted to extend the trial, which had been due to end on March 12, a further 15 weeks with a view to making it permanent in the future.

Wickford market manager Trevor Day welcomed the news

He said: “The traders are extremely happy with the extension and the way the market is running, as are the shops along the high street who also benefit.

“The public have been voting with their feet, and we have seen increased footfall since the initiative came into play.

He added: “I would absolutely love to see the move made permanent, it will only be massive boost to Wickford, which can often go forgotten compared to other parts of the borough. It’s nice to see the council supporting Wickford.”

Currently, it costs the council pays Essex County Council £1,800 every time the street is closed, but a council report claims a reduced cost of £365 could be negotiated if the Saturday closures were made permanent.

Independent Wickford councillor David Harrison said: “I think it has so far proven to be a good thing for the area, but there are some improvements we need to make.

“We need to extend the market, with more stalls so it can extend to both ends of the high street, because as it is the shops at the far ends are not benefitting as much from the markets footfall, as currently it doesn’t stretch that far.”

However, concerns were raised over how the road closures effected traffic through the town.

Councillor Peter Holliman said: “The transport through Wickford is a sticking point. Because of the road layout, you only have two choices, either through the High Street or round the Golden Jubilee and when the road is closed it can be problematic for drivers.”