Businesses have called on Braintree Council to drive investment into the town centre.

They claim the High Street is the “poor relation” when compared with Braintree.

Their comments come after multi-million pound plans for Manor Street in Braintree moved to the next stage.

Traders don’t expect millions of pounds to be spent on Halstead, but do want to see some investment.

They have called for help with business rates and bringing a wider variety of stores to the town.

Improving the town’s market also came high up on the wishlist.

The important thing for traders now is to drive new customers into town and fill empty shops along the High Street.

Let’s hope they get the answers they want from the council.

Between traders, councillors and tourism bosses we have the ability to make Halstead the place to be for businesses and visitors.