WICKFORD Market has relocated to a secure location on Woodlands Road, following remedial works organised by Basildon Council - but a permanent home is still being sought.

Despite the council supporting a permanent High Street closure for the market on Saturdays for some time, objections by the bus companies have meant the temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) cannot be made permanent so the council identified a new location on Woodlands Road to allow the market to continue to operate. 

The site required some maintenance to make it more accessible for customers and traders. Site clearance has been carried out by the council and ground works have been carried out to level and resurface the site.

Existing hoarding has been removed and new fencing has been installed to properly frame and secure the site for the market. 

Wickford Market operated from the refreshed Woodlands Road site this past weekend (29 July) and will continue to operate there while a more permanent solution is identified. 

Cllr Craig Rimmer, Cabinet Member for Economic Stimulus and Tourism, welcomed the news: "We are absolutely committed to ensuring Wickford Market continues to operate. It's a huge part of the town's history and I am really grateful to Wickford residents and the market traders for their patience while works were being completed on the Woodlands Road site. 

"Teams have done a fantastic job clearing, resurfacing and securing the site to make it accessible for traders and shoppers. I encourage everyone to visit the market in its new home this weekend." 

Wickford Market operates Fridays and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm.