PRICES for pitches on Colchester Market are set to be reduced in a bid to halt a decline in trader numbers.

Colchester Council has announced its proposals for fees and charges for the next financial year.

The proposals cover things like the cost of visiting Leisure World, the price to submit a planning application and car parking charges at council owned car parks.

Among the new proposals are plans to reduce the cost of a pitch on Colchester Market from £29.10 to £25 on both Friday and Saturdays.

The report states: “For markets, the average cost per pitch nationally is between £10 and £35 (based on 2018 National Market Survey).

“Colchester Market fees are pending a reduction for 2019-20 to £25 per pitch.

“This is to make it more competitive with its neighbours, whose fees are around £20 per pitch and arrest a decline in occupancy.

“Recommendation is for fees to remain the same in 20-21. We are also looking to introduce a Wednesday Market.”

Last month the Saturday market moved to its new home in the Lion Walk Shopping Centre.

The move was hailed a roaring success with traders experiencing a soar in their profits in the new location.

Next year prices at car parks across the borough are set to remain the same, however some changes will be made to the pricing structure of car parks in High Street, Coast Road and Seaview Avenue, Mersea.

The report states: “Parking fees and charges form an important measure to influence driver behaviour through setting appropriate parking charge levels.

“The primary function of parking is not simply to raise revenue, but to support transport policy.”

The admission price to Colchester Castle will remain the same as will the cost to use Leisure World’s leisure pool.

However swimmers will pay three per cent, or 15p, more for an adult ticket to use the fitness pool next year and prices at Aqua Springs spa will also increase by inflation.

The price to submit a planning application will increase, meaning you’ll pay £126 for a minor application - up from £120 this year.

Taxi licences are not set to increase next year.

Some of the more unusual charges on the council’s list include a hypnotist licence, which costs £115, or a naturist entrance to Aqua Springs, which costs £14.50 - incidentally the same as an adult weekday entrance.