Southend's popular street market is set to be demolished and replaced with a modern version, it was revealed today.
Council leaders, anxious to retain a market in the town, want to raze York Road to the ground and build a new market on a different site.
The favourite relocation site is behind Tomassi's restaurant in the High Street, said David Garston, executive councillor for regeneration and economic development.
His commitment to a market in the town came as York Road traders demanded an assurance from Southend Council about their future.
The market, owned by Southend Council, has become run down and needs a major overhaul, they said.
Traders' spokesman Patrick Baker, who runs Gumbi's Record, CD and DVD Exchange, said: "To ease the uncertainty and to help slow the hemorrhaging of traders leaving the market and to encourage new traders, we are asking for a simple pledge from our landlords Southend Council."
More in today's Echo
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