PITSEA Market now has close to 90 regular stallholders having helped traders to relocate from a closed down Sunday market.

Dagenham Sunday Market ceased trading six months ago and, with the coronavirus pandemic still causing havoc, it has been announced it will not reopen.

Countless traders feared they would have no form of income in these testing times, but Pitsea Market manager Dean Tredinnick intervened and has helped to relocate many businessmen and women.

He said: “I have worked with most of the traders for many years and it has been great to be able to give them the opportunity to trade at Pitsea Market.

“They now have stalls at our Wednesday and Saturday markets, along with our new Sunday market.

“Most of the traders were left with no option but to work at boot sales every Sunday after the Dagenham Sunday Market shut down, but boot sales are now shutting for the winter and they would have nowhere locally to trade in the run-up to Christmas.

“When we contacted the traders, they were very happy to have somewhere to go.”

As reported in the Echo last month, Pitsea Market is thriving once again having been forced to close in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Initial lockdown restrictions were put in place just a matter of weeks after LCP, a national commercial property investment company, took over the running of Pitsea Market.

Mr Tredinnick, 47, is pleased to see Pitsea Market bouncing back during testing times and not following in the footsteps of the Dagenham Sunday Market.

He added: “It is great to see Pitsea Market back to how it was 20 years ago and it has taken a lot of hard work.

“We have been working very closely with Basildon Council to keep the market compliant with government guidelines, meaning we can stay open and keep the public, market traders and market staff safe.

“Before lockdown, we had about 35 regular traders. We now have close to 90, which is fantastic.

“I have worked in markets all my life and have a big passion for them.

“Because of that, it gives me great pleasure to see all of the shoppers returning to Pitsea Market.”

Every week we will be unveiling our Trader of the Week as we look to champion local businesses across south Essex. To nominate your own business or somewhere you enjoy visiting, simply complete our online form.

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