High Street to stay pedestrianised for Wickford Market
Wickford Market will take place on the high street as normal this Saturday, then will operate on Market Lane for four weeks from December 31st before returning to its home on the pedestrianised high street on Saturday, January 28th.
Wickford Market has been operating on the pedestrianised high street each Saturday since May 2021, with the 18-month Traffic Regulation Order that kept the high street car-free expiring earlier this month.
Wickford Conservatives have lobbied hard for Basildon Council to work with Essex County Council to obtain a new TRO, meaning the high street will be closed for vehicle access every Saturday from January 28th between 5am and 6pm.
Signage from Essex Highways is going up in and around Wickford High Street today (Friday, December 23rd) to inform residents of the new TRO.
"Wickford Market is part of the Town and is critical to the economic success of the High Street. We are pleased that Essex County Council and Basildon Borough Council have been able to prepare a Traffic Order, at short notice that will ensure the Market is back in the High Street by the end of January." ~ Cllrs Tony Ball & Malcolm Buckley (Con, Wickford Crouch)
Cllr Andrew Baggott, Leader of Basildon Council, said: "We've worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to secure the future of Wickford Market in its rightful location. We're really sorry that it will have to move to Market Street for a few weeks, but we're delighted to have been able to confirm its future on a pedestrianised high street moving forward.
"Thanks to Essex County Council and Essex Highways for their support in obtaining a new Traffic Regulation Order, I know how popular the market has been for both traders and residents and I'm really pleased that it can now continue to thrive."
In a joint statement, Wickford County Councillors Tony Ball and Malcolm Buckley, added: "Wickford Market is part of the Town and is critical to the economic success of the High Street. We are pleased that Essex County Council and Basildon Borough Council have been able to prepare a Traffic Order, at short notice that will ensure the Market is back in the High Street by the end of January."
