Popular market finds new home in Wickford

Wickford Market has relocated to a secure location on Woodlands Road, following remedial works organised by Basildon Council.

Despite the council supporting a permanent High Street closure for the market on Saturdays for some time, objections by the bus companies have meant the temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) cannot be made permanent. Recognising the importance of the market to traders and residents in Wickford, the council identified a new location on Woodlands Road to allow the market to continue to operate.

The site required some maintenance to make it more accessible for customers and traders. Site clearance has been carried out by the council and ground works have been carried out to level and resurface the site. Existing hoarding has been removed and new fencing has been installed to properly frame and secure the site for the market.

Anti-social behaviour falls by more than 30%

Incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Essex have dropped by 31.3% in the past year, with 8,562 fewer offences recorded.

Community policing teams across the county have been working closely with councils and local partners to combat issues including nuisance vehicles, street drinking, disruptive and intimidating behaviour, and the reckless riding of bikes and e-scooters.

There were 18,771 ASB offences recorded in the year to the end of May 2023. This compares to 27,333 ASB offences over the same period 12 months earlier.

In the same timeframe in 2017-18, there were 49,444 ASB incidents recorded. The most recent figures represent a 62% drop from this level.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet, who is also the NPCC lead for anti-social behaviour, said:

Wickford Market operated from the refreshed Woodlands Road site on 29th July and will continue to operate there while a more permanent solution is identified.

Councillor Craig Rimmer, Cabinet Member for Economic Stimulus and Tourism, welcomed the news: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring Wickford Market continues to operate. It’s a huge part of the town’s history and I am really grateful to Wickford residents and the market traders for their patience while works were being completed on the Woodlands Road site.

“Teams have done a fantastic job clearing, resurfacing and securing the site to make it accessible for traders and shoppers. I encourage everyone to visit the market in its new home this weekend.”

Wickford Market operates Fridays and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm.

“From high streets to seafronts, transport hubs to parks and local housing estates –ASB is not something we should see as ‘low level’ or acceptable. It is not, it ruins lives and blights communities.

“The significant reduction in anti-social behaviour offences across Essex shows the work we are doing alongside our partners is having an impact.

“People have a right to live free from intimidation and harassment in their own communities. ASB is not a low-level offence and can have a great impact on someone’s quality of life.

“The public should continue reporting incidents to us. Policing is one part of the solution but where it is not a policing matter, we will work with local authorities and other agencies to effectively combat ASB and the underlying causes.”

Learn more about ASB and how to report it: www.essex.police.uk/advice/advice-andinformation/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour

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