I share the frustration of businesses, retailers and the community at the delay in the pedestrianisation works in Braintree town centre but am pleased that there is now a programme of work in place that will lead to completion in the summer.

Braintree has been extremely patient over High Street improvements and when completed, we can look forward to exciting times in our town centre, coinciding with the ending of Covid-19 restrictions.

Traditional market town centres have suffered over recent years with the decline of traditional retail. Conservatives at Braintree District Council realised that we had to paint a different picture for Braintree to ensure our town remains vibrant, focussing on a place to visit, spend time, meet, eat and drink; where the best of local is available to buy. 

Our pre-pandemic street markets were showing what we could do in Braintree town centre and once pedestrianisation is completed we look forward to welcoming them back, complimented by a series of events to increase footfall.

The post-Covid-19 challenges remain, but because of the improvements and the investment in the Victoria Square development, our great town centre with a rich heritage will be very well placed to bounce back better for a brighter future.

Tom Cunningham
Conservative ECC Candidate for Braintree Town

  • The other candidates for the division are Keiran Martin (Lab), Kate Onions (Lib Dem) and Colin Riches (Ind).