WICKFORD Market will operate on Market Lane for four weeks from Saturday, 31 December, before returning to its home on the pedestrianised high street at the end of January.

The 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.

Basildon Council has worked with Essex County Council and Essex Highways to obtain a new Traffic Regulation Order, meaning the high street will be closed for vehicle access every Saturday from 28 January between the times of 5am to 6pm.

Signage from Essex Highways has been put up in and around Wickford High Street to inform residents of the new Traffic Regulation Order.

 Leader of Basildon Council, Councillor Andrew Baggott, 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 Essex County Councillors Councillor Tony Ball and Councillor 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.