SMALL businesses are being urged to sign up to an online street market this Saturday.

The concept replaces the monthly street market events in Braintree and Witham town centres which have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Braintree Council says the virtual market proved a big hit when it was launched in May and it is being brought again to boost business.

The online market allows traders to advertise what stock they have on Facebook and to interact with customers.

Braintree council’s economic boss Tom Cunningham said: “We came up with the concept of a virtual street market to help showcase our independent traders and make it easier for them to trade online during the pandemic, so we’re pleased by the fantastic response we have received.

“Although the idea was inspired by the challenges of lockdown, we want this new Facebook group to last way beyond Saturday and the pandemic, as a way of keeping in touch with our residents on all things street markets and keeping that community spirit alive.”

Visit facebook.com/groups/virtualstreetmarket