A MARKET could be set up in a town centre in a bid to boost trade, it has been announced.

Plans are being drawn up for a temporary closure of Dovercourt High Street for a weekly market, which could become permanent if it is successful.

The town’s only market is a handful of stalls currently trading on land near the football ground, in Main Road.

Tendring Council officers, councillors, Essex County Council, police and traders met to discuss the idea.

Carlo Guglielmi, Tendring councillor responsible for community partnerships and renewal, said: “Things have really started to move forwards at pace over the past three weeks, and I think the traders have been impressed with how quickly the council has taken this matter forward.

“We all discussed a number of options but the consensus was the market needed to be in the town centre and the traders fully backed a move to High Street.”

Mr Guglielmi said an alternative near the railway station was considered, but rejected.

“The traders seem to be very confident they can attract around 40 stalls to High Street, and the three existing traders who operate on land next to the football ground will relocate there too,” he added.

“The obvious benefits the market will bring to the High Street will not only be enjoyed by the traders, but also by the rest of the shops in that area.

“Stallholders envisage shoppers will use and patronise them as part of their new shopping experience.”

Essex County Council officers have agreed to work out the cost of setting up the market.

Tendring Council is set to work with its partners to come up with funding for the project, and also assist the traders to establish a group to manage their own market.

Another meeting is set to be held once further information has been gathered.