HALSTEAD is at risk of losing its monthly market because of parking problems.

Market managers, Haylock Investment and Management Services (HIMS), may pull the plug on the monthly market after growing frustrated with the lack of co-operation from people around the town, particularly road users.

HIMS is now urging residents to avoid parking on Market Hill overnight when traders are due to arrive in the morning to set up.

A HIMS spokesman said: “As market managers, we are increasingly disappointed with the lack of co-operation from some road users to leave the Market Hill empty for our traders to set up.

“Our dismay hit when we saw the amount of people still parked on the hill at last week’s monthly market. Without the co-operation of the town’s people and shop keepers the monthly market will not continue, having a direct impact on the regular stall holders that attend.

“We believe that the market has a positive effect on the town but without the support of the town it is in danger of disappearing.

“Then the once ‘Market Town of Halstead’ will no longer be a market town.

“Please help and support the market to allow it to continue.”

The Town Team has previously issued a use it or lose warning in regards to the market, and believe its financial viability must be weighed up.

Chairman Jonathan Lidster said: “One of the focus areas for the Town Team 18 months ago was re-engaging the market.

“We put a lot of resources, time and finance into it, and it did work initially.

“Obviously it is a huge shame for everyone in the town if we do lose the market, but if the proportion of people used the market rose then we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

“Everyone has put a lot of work into the market, and it hasn’t failed, it is just times are changing.

“Modern day shopping habits have changed massively, retailing has changed, it is just unfortunate this comes at the demise of the market.

“I take my hat off to HIMS and the Town Council for the real push they have put in, but financial viability has to be considered.”

The next monthly market will coincide with the Christmas Fayre on November 26, followed by the final one of the year on December 17.

HIMS will then decide if it wishes to continue the monthly market from spring next year.