AN open-air market will soon be in business on the site of a historic indoor market.

York Road market in Southend, was closed last October by Southend Council after fears were voiced about structural safety.

The new market will feature about 30 stalls and will operate from Thursday through to Saturday each week, with the possibility of specialist Sunday markets.

It is hoped it will be up and running by Easter.

Nigel Holdcroft, leader of Southend Council, said: “ I am sure the market will be a great asset for the area.”

James Taylor, who owns Taylor and Son jewellers in York Road, agrees.

He said: “It is brilliant. It can only improve the area. It should bring people to the area.”

However former stallholder Stephen Burgess, who now runs grocery stall the Happy Pear from the High Street, is dubious.

He said: “Markets used to be the place you went to for cheap stuff, but in that area you have lots of pound shops and TJ Hughes. These discount stores sell the cheaper lines which markets used to supply.

“I would go back there if they could fill it up, but I can’t see them getting the stalls.”

The market was demolished in May, and in August the council revealed it would be looking for a new operator for the open-air venture.

The search ended with the appointment of market operator Geraud UK – but only on a short-term basis. Its long-term future is still undecided