FRESH plans to extend Southend’s weekly market to drive city centre trade is set to take a leap forward.

The city centre’s popular market currently runs every Thursday and two Saturdays a month.

The council is now set to approve plans to allow a market to run every Thursday, Saturday and on bank holidays.

Stalls selling everything from food to vintage trinkets will be set out from the top of the High Street down to Clifftown Road.

If approved, the 3m by 3m stalls will be set out from the top of the High Street down to Clifftown Road.

A single response to 167 letters of consultation sent to neighbouring properties supported the application but raised concerns about the “loss of views into shopfront windows” and a resulting loss of trade.

James Courtenay, Tory councillor responsible for city centre management, said this was something that could easily be addressed.

He said: “It can be taken into account when setting up. Whoever runs the market, the council manager, can ensure that both shops and market stalls operate without hindering each other from attracting business. I agree they need to be appropriately placed. They shouldn’t be blocking access. The High Street is a fair size but it’s not vast, it’s long and thin so we need to ensure that the people that walk down it can access the shops and the market stalls but I don’t see that as being an insurmountable problem.”

Mr Courtenay added: “I do welcome the market there because I think it increases footfall down the High Street which is good for everyone. On bank holidays the seafront is buzzing but the shops might not get quite the same footfall.”

All of the stalls will be required to be covered, such as by a gazebo or frame. The structures would all be removed at the end of day.

Vehicular access will be controlled by the city’s CCTV centre which will operate bollards remotely.

In a report to Southend Council’s development control committee, which will decide the application on Wednesday, said: “The proposal which would support the vitality and economy of the high street and town centre is found to be acceptable and compliant with the relevant planning policies and guidance. It is recommended that planning permission is granted subject to conditions."