Traders in Heybridge are devastated that Essex County Council is to close an enterprise centre which houses their businesses.

Eleven one-man band firms at The Heybridge Centre have ploughed thousands of pounds into setting up shops and offices on the site of a former infant school only to be told at the end of last week they will have to be out by May.

The county council is closing the premises following new government legislation.

It is partly used to provide part-time schooling for children excluded from school, which will now require the complete use of the building.

Martin Janes, who owns Adphonic, a marketing company, said: "Essex County Council has told us it no longer has the funding for us to continue here which is quite devastating.

"We have spent a huge amount of money setting up after being told we could stay here for three years. We have only been here four months and now we are going to be kicked out. We are all very upset and annoyed."

Maldon district councillor Frank Delderfield, said: "The Heybridge Centre has provided much-needed accommodation for small and start-up businesses in the Maldon district for many years.

"There is no other comparable facility in the district and it seems inevitable now that the current occupiers will have to either move out of the district, cease trading or take the step up to full commercial rents."

He said the economic development team at Maldon District Council would work with the county council to help the businesses find alternative premises.

A spokeswoman for Essex County Council said: the decision was made ''with great regret''.

Published Friday, January 31, 2003

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