In the news: Cabinet Members to discuss proposals for new Wickford Market operator
At a meeting of Basildon Council's Cabinet on Thursday 14 March 2024, Cabinet Members will discuss proposals to grant a licence for land at Woodlands Road to Wickford Town Council, to manage Wickford Market.
The proposals would see Basildon Council provide a licence to Wickford Town Council from 1 June 2024 to take responsibility for the market and other ad hoc events for the initial period of one year. The new licence would enable Wickford Town Council to further develop the market and encourage greater footfall - providing a huge boost to the local economy in Wickford.
In June 2023, the temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to close the High Street for a Saturday market could not be made permanent due to objections made by bus companies. In August 2023, Basildon Council identified Woodlands Road as a new temporary location that would allow the market to continue operating.
Basildon Council is the freehold owner of the land in Woodlands Road and the market is currently operated by an independent market manager.
Leader of Basildon Council, Councillor Andrew Baggott said: "The market is a huge part of Wickford's history and is visited by many residents each week. We are committed to ensuring the market is operating effectively and the proposals to provide a licence to Wickford Town Council will allow for a community-led approach and increased footfall to the market. I look forward to reviewing the proposals at Cabinet next week."
Wickford Market currently operates Saturdays from 8am to 4pm.
Read the full agenda and watch the meeting live on Basildon Council's YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/basildoncouncil
Ends
Published 8 March 2024