Southend High Street set to have new Saturday market

Southend currently has a market every Thursday and two Saturdays a month but the council plans to allow a market to run every Saturday and on bank holidays.

If approved by planning officers, stalls will be set out from the top of the High Street down to Clifftown Road.

James Courtenay, councillor responsible for city centre management, said the extra markets would help boost city centre trade.

He said: “It is great to see this application being made which would provide greater opportunities for the current stall holders and new opportunities for local traders, start-up businesses and existing businesses who want to branch out.

“The Southend BID board have endorsed every Saturday trading, as have businesses, following a survey conducted by them on behalf of the council.”

Mr Courtenay added: “Having a market every Saturday is more appealing to some traders who favour a weekly Saturday spot, and it would also be easier to advertise and promote. It would also increase council revenue, but perhaps most importantly could encourage more stall holders into the market and High Street, and help drive more footfall into the area which would be good for the local economy.”

The current markets offer a large range of goods, including clothing and footwear, luggage and handbags, jewellery and household goods.

There is also a tempting array of bread and cakes as well as cooked food.

Town centre resident Mike Smith welcomed the extra market days. He said: “I think it’s a good idea. It brings different types of things into the area. I’ve seen things like statuettes on sale and a stall selling things like old photographs so I think it’s quite a positive thing to encourage markets.

“I would say it’s a good thing.”

All of the stalls will be required to be covered, such as by a gazebo or frame. The structures would all be removed at the end of day. Vehicular access will be controlled by the city’s CCTV centre which will operate bollards remotely.