TRADERS are being urged to sign up to a business scheme and help Braintree town centre evolve.

Newly-appointed Braintree Town Partnership chairman Peter Bayley has called for business owners to get involved with plans to pedestrianise Market Place, Great Square and High Street.

The proposals are in the final design phase, with the scheme expected to include pavement resurfacing and a total traffic ban.

Council bosses hope pedestrianisation, along with the £30 million redevelopment of Manor Street, will increase footfall in the town and revitalise business.

Braintree Town Partnership has been involved in the scheme since it was revisited in 2018 and Mr Bayley, who was appointed chairman last week, wants to see more traders join and help shape the town’s future.

He said: “We’re not ignorant of the challenges faced by our town centre businesses, not complacent nor deluded.

“Many local business people are already investing their time and money in new town centre enterprises, with early success and great plans for the future.

“We know so many traders are, like us at the partnership, determined that we can make the most of the council’s and others’ new investments in the town.

“So please do get behind what is your traders’ organisation – the Braintree Town Partnership - now.

“You can have faith we will do all we can to help to evolve Braintree into a desirable 21st-century destination of choice for residents and visitors, but we need your support to make it happen.”

Mr Bayley issued his rallying cry during the town partnership’s monthly meeting.

The partnership was set up two years ago in a bid to get businesses working together and provide a united voice for traders.

Mr Bayley has announced this week all future meetings of the group have been suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, business owners can still sign up to the group online.

There is a membership fee of £25 and a monthly subscription of £15.

For more information, visit braintreetownpartnership.org.uk.