The leader of Braintree Council has been invited to sit on the High Street for a day after his comments about struggling businesses ignited fury amongst traders.
Commenting on the closure of Hannay's book shop, Councillor Graham Butland said the council could not be held responsible for the failure of small businesses.
He said: “This is not the Soviet Union, we are not here to subsidise traders.
Mr Butland also criticised traders for not submitting their own development plans for the town, “People have been waving placards, but so far nobody has come forward with any concrete plans,” he said.
The comments sparked anger amongst High Street traders who say Mr Butland does not understand the problems in Braintree.
They invited him to spend a day outside one of their shops on the High Street.
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