A VITAL road in Braintree could finally be pedestrianised in an attempt to save trade in the town centre.

Following the departure of at least nine traders in two years, including La Maison; The Toy Shop; Mr Simms; Burtons; Clarks Shoes; Phones 4u; Morrisons; Baileys Bar and Bar Sport, Braintree Council has announced it is planning an "extensive consultation" into regenerating the town centre next year.

This would include looking at the feasibility of a pedestrianised High Street and comes after fresh calls were made from traders, Braintree Chamber of Commerce and shoppers.

Emma Mack, owner of Mack's Barber Shop, said: "I believe that a trial closure would be great as I have a business on the High Street and believe it would be a happier and more relaxed involvement for the public.

"I understand that some of the High Street don't feel the same, as they feel the buses bring them some of their customers.

"I believe lots of things will need to be put in place before this was to happen, barriers at the top and bottom of the High Street and a new bus route that all the businesses are happy with."

After a blaze at a homeless shelter in February last year, the road was temporarily closed to all traffic which proved bus companies could re-route services around the town without major disruption.

Brenda Baker, chair of Braintree Chamber of Commerce and manager of George Yard Shopping Centre has also backed a trial period of a pedestrianised High Street.

She said: "I agree that we should have a proper trial of such a closure, as we were told was going to happen some years ago.

"I understand that, at that time, there was some opposition which prevented the trial, but we will not know the pros and cons unless we try.

"I would call on all landowners and landlords to come together to consider the High Street position, as they all have a vested interest in improvement.

"The issues extend beyond just road closure and are beyond the influence of tenants and council alike without that third group “coming to the party”.

A spokesman for Braintree Council said: “Further work to regenerate Braintree Town Centre remains a priority for us, including looking at the feasibility of trial pedestrianisation of the town centre.

"This would be undertaken as part of a comprehensive masterplan for the town centre which would include traffic circulation, signage, regeneration and public realm improvement.

"We’re currently putting together a brief for this master-planning work, which will include extensive consultation to be undertaken over the next year."