Traders fear that a 100-stall market to be held in Witham’s high street will kill off businesses.

The Witham Town Centre Development Community Interest Company (CIC) and a potential market provider have set three trial dates for October, November and December It is hoped that the giant market could become weekly.

Essex County Council has yet to agree to close Newland Street on market day.

Peter Hill, 65, who has ran Mondy Ironmongers in Newland Street for 21 years, said: “I am sure this would be to the detriment of Witham and it will kill the high street stone dead."

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.