Organisations are rallying round in a bid to save and expand Halstead's historic market place.

Last week, the Evening Gazette revealed the market, part of the town since 1251, was under threat because it had diminished so much.

The Lord of the Manor, Mr Vaizey, who has the right to hold the market, expressed concern that it was now making a loss and unless the situation changed, it could be forced to close.

Agent Peter Haylock, of Haylock Investment and Management Services, said one of the reasons the market was no longer profitable was because of rising costs and charges.

But now Halstead town council and the chamber of trade are coming together to look at ways the market could be saved and expanded.

Adam Richardson, town council clerk, said: "When councillors learned of the situation they were very concerned about it.

"This year we have had quite a number of new stallholders, but after a few weeks trading have said that there is not sufficient business to justify trading on Halstead market.

"If the general public do not use the market we will lose it."

Published Thursday August 12, 2004

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