A MAJOR expansion of Braintree Freeport could be another nail in the coffin of the town centre, it is feared.

Realm, property manager of Freeport, announced last week that it is putting forward £13 million proposals for five new retail units at the shopping village.

But independent businesses in the town centre fear this could mean fewer people venture into Braintree town centre, which they feel is already neglected.

Kate Bull, owner of Cds Sandwiches and Salads on Sandpit Lane, said: “It will be horrendous for the town centre and our High Street. I think it is a shame that Braintree is expanding so quickly and yet the town centre is in a shocking state.

“There is nothing to bring people into Braintree town centre.

“Why would people need to pop into the town if they can get everything they want at Freeport?”

Restaurants, a new GP surgery and a pharmacy are earmarked for the redevelopment of the old Victoria Street bus park, but it is not set to be completed until 2020.

Yolande Turgoose, owner of Fleurtations florist on Braintree High Street, said: “I feel that when Freeport was first built it should have been linked to the town, because now people just go to Freeport.

“There is not easy access for parking and getting to and from the town centre.

“Bury St Edmunds built a new complex of shops and they are within the town centre – it is now the most affluent market town.

“If things would have been kept within the town centre it would have generated more trade for businesses.”

Mike Kayley, who works at Blast Comics and Music, said: “I think it could eventually spell the end for the High Street.

“There are no big name shops in the town centre anymore.

“Even George Yard has empty units, it is a reflection on the town that local businesses cannot be successful in there.

"For the people of Braintree, Freeport getting bigger is fantastic but for the high street it is awful.”