BUSINESSES and residents in the district are being encouraged to take part in a street market.

Braintree Council announced the virtual event to support businesses and boost their online trade.

Small businesses will be able to promote their products in an online Facebook community, by providing links to their online shops.

Read more:

Due to the restrictions the council is unable to host the popular street markets outdoors.

Corporate director of growth at the council, Dominic Collins said: "Our street markets have always been a real asset to our town centre to help boost footfall and support small, local businesses. Instead of not doing anything whilst social restrictions on gatherings are still in place, we wanted to carry on providing a platform for traders to still trade to their customers and boost sales.

"I hope that local’s will join in with our virtual market place, giving businesses a welcome boost from what has been a difficult year with the Covid pandemic."

Those who wish to buy something via the virtual street market will need to contact and organise with the trader directly. Once the market has “shut up shop” for the day, people will still be able to view items posted by traders and get in touch.

The market will be open from 9am-5pm on Saturday (April 24) and again on Saturday May 29th.

To take part go to facebook.com/groups/virtualstreetmarket.