TRAFFIC should be banned from Wickford High Street every Saturday to help the town centre and the new-look market to flourish, local people say.

A councillor’s informal poll of more than 150 residents showed 86 per cent supported a Saturday ban, with many suggesting it should apply on other days, too.

Wickford Park ward councillor David Harrison carried out a 24-hour poll on the issue and says he was amazed at the positive response from the 153 residents who took part.

He said: “There have been complaints on market days that the stalls are too close to the road and it’s not safe.

“It would be much better if the High Street was pedestrianised because it would give people much more room to move around.

“We have spent a lot of money moving the market, so we want to make the most of it.

“A lot of the feedback I have had is that it should be a pedestrian- only zone on other days, and not just Saturdays.

“The problem is closing the road would cost money, so I’m trying to see if there is anything left in the budget.”

The High Street was closed to traffic last weekend for the market’s official opening, with children’s rides and other attractions set up in the road.

Basildon Council has spent £700,000 moving the market from its former home in Market Road and revamping the High Street, with a new Market Lane with permanent stalls.

Market manager Trevor Day said he was in favour of pedestrianisation.

He said: “It’s part of the bigger picture. It’s what we have wanted from the beginning.

“The road is just used for racing or parking and all the businesses have rear access, so it's not like the High Street needs to stay open for deliveries.

“If it was pedestrianised, it would give me space for more stalls.

“At the moment I’m getting 20 calls a week from traders who are interested in securing a spot, so there is definitely demand.

“It would allow us to put on events for the whole community, and bring more faces and businesses to the town, which can only be a good thing.”

Such a move would require the support of Basildon Council and Essex County Council’s highways department, with a legal order being drafted and approved to allow the road to be closed.