MARKET traders say another site move could be detrimental to their business.

Last week councillor Mike Lilley said Colchester’s High Street market was “undoubtedly” in the wrong place.

The Labour councillor, whose portfolio takes in the market, plans to hold a public meeting to find out a preferred spot.

However those who have longserved on the market feel moving it for the second time in almost two years could ruin business.

Ken Flatt, who has run The Chickpea curry stall for ten years, said Mr Lilley is yet to talk to traders.

He felt the last move was “extremely disruptive”, adding: “We’ve heard a lot of the negatives about the market, but at the moment things are actually going really well - especially if you consider we’re just coming out of midwinter.

“We have a wide range of stalls, footfall and trade are healthy and there’s a good atmosphere of mutual support amongst the traders and council staff.”

The weekly market returned to High Street two years ago after spending a number of years in Culver Street West. At the time, concerns were raised over pollution and public safety.

Mr Flatt added: “I was initially against the move to the High Street, partly for traffic and difficulty of access. It’s taken my business until very recently to regain the level of trade we had.

I imagine its a similar situation for other traders.

“The High Street is obviously not without it’s problems, but despite this I would still rather stay where we are rather than risk further disruption. A pedestrianised High Street would do absolute wonders for our market.”

Halstead Gazette:

Mike Lilley

High Street market ‘will stay put’

THE town’s market will stay in the High Street for the time being, a council boss has said.

Mike Lilley said following a Gazette poll it was clear there was not enough evidence to justify moving Colchester Market.

Mr Lilley said he was keen to see a permanent market, as it would save the council paying for Zone Wardens to dismantle it.

He said: “A permanent market will be a nice asset and we want the High Street pedestrianised, but all businesses must be in agreement. We want the traders to stay in the town.”