WICKFORD’S ailing market will soon be given a new lease of life after being handed back to the community.

The market, based in Market Road, has slowly declined in recent years with stall numbers dipping under the management of Hughmark Continental.

But Basildon Council has axed the firm and now two locals will take over its running.

It will be managed by Carol Bassett, who is the daughter of the owner of the market’s Corner Cafe, Gill, and local trader Trevor Day, who has overseen a renaissance at Rochford and Rayleigh markets.

The duo have already got a least six new traders on board for their grand reopening on Saturday September 7.

The market will also play host to continental and farmer’smarkets and other regular events to entice shoppers.

Ms Bassett said: “There was no market – there was hardly anything left – so that’s why we wanted run it. We are really committed to this because it is our livelihood.”