AT a meeting of Basildon Council's cabinet this week members approved proposals to grant a licence for land at Woodlands Road to Wickford Town Council, to manage Wickford Market.

The proposals mean Basildon Council will 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 enables 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, Cllr 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." 

Wickford Market currently operates Saturdays from 8am to 4pm.