PEDESTRIANISING a road in Witham Town Centre will create space for social activities.

As part of town centre improvements, Braintree Council is looking at the viability of creating a market to make the town more attractive.

Pedestrianising the upper part of Guithavon Street would give Witham a central vehicle-free space for a market, seasonal events and street-side dining.

Town councillors objected to the proposals, saying a 'cafe society' was not suitable for that area.

However Stephen Wenlock, District Landscape Architect and Braintree Council, said it would make Witham more appealing.

In a letter shared at an Environment Committee meeting, he said: "We do believe that shutting the top end of Guithavon Street could be the best way to make a proper place to hold Witham Market – pending a consultation with businesses, visitors and residents - as it would be capable of achieving greater positive change in the town than that which could be had by just a road closure once or twice a week."

He said Witham has very little space on the High Street where people can stop at their leisure to relax.

He added: "If we are to improve the appeal of Witham Town Centre and improve footfall and visitor spend, then consideration has to be given to creating space for a mix of social activities and experiences that cause people to choose to stop and visit.

"A developed market offer is one of them. If Guithavon Street is not permanently closed, then this aspect becomes very hard to realise, as there is no other ready space."

Any plans will go to public consultation before they are decided.