Wickford market opens up its latest phase

WICKFORD has been given a new lease of life as shoppers flock to sample its revamped market.

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, met with traders at the newly-created Market Lane and re-paved High Street, at the weekend, to open the latest phase of the market.

Residents and visitors can now pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, jewellery, flowers, plants and gifts. Vickys Cafe and Jac in a Box hairdressers are also thriving since opening in permanent kiosks.

The move from the old location, behind the present site, is being made in stages, but nearly 30 stallholders will soon be displaying toys, pet supplies, shoes, bags and clothes from brightly-coloured gazebos.

Vicky Patmore, who runs Vickys Cafe, said: I might have had more room in the old market, but its a lot more pleasant working in the new kiosk.

My regular customers have stuck with me and Im getting more passing trade.

The remaining stalls are set to be in place within the next fewweeks.

Mr Turner said the 700,000 High Street revamp is just the start of major changes to come for Wickford.

He said: We can clearly see the new direction the market is taking now. It looks fantastic, and its going to get even better.

We have spent ten years getting this together for Wickford, and everything is finally coming together.

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Wickford market opens up its latest phase