Witham town centre has more than three times as many takeaways and restaurants than clothes shops and more empty premises than places to buy fresh fruit, veg and meat.

These are the key findings of a survey carried out by the Times in the wake of concerns voiced by traders that a new open air market could kill off businesses.

There are 24 eateries in the area, with most of them falling into the takeaway category.

Just seven of the 131 units accounted for sold new clothes and shoes which is equal to the amount of charity shops in the area.

See this week's Times for the full story.