POP-UP shops are coming to Wickford in a bid to boost its struggling town centre. Basildon Borough Council will be working with estate agents and landlords to encourage temporary retailers to open up in the town.
The news comes after the closure of gift shop Tickled Pink, in the High Street, on Saturday.
The plan is for the council to take over vacant units and then lease them on a short-term basis to start-up businesses.
The authority will also consider renting the premises out to artists to give them an opportunity to show off their work.
If the trial in Wickford proves to be a success, then it could be rolled out across the borough.
Plans to redevelop Wickford Swimming Pool and "enhance" the market, as previously reported in the Gazette, are also being progressed, the council says.
Traders to whom the Gazette spoke were unanimous in their belief that improvements need to be made to save the town centre.
Daryl Horton, 55, from Hadleigh, has managed Moores in High Street for the past 20 years.
"They need to do something or they will end up losing Wickford," he said. "Wimpy opposite has been closed for a year now – it used to be such a busy town."
Phil Dryden, 40, from South Woodham Ferrers, added: "As more shops close it will get worse – the parking restrictions don't help.
"All the retail parks are gobbling up the money."
Richard Clarke is the manager of Edes on High Street.
The 42-year-old said: "It's better than doing nothing – the town needs improving.
"I have been here for 24 years and something needs to be done to attract people to come back, instead of going to Lakeside and Bluewater.
"The empty shops need something inside them.
"We need more clothing shops, particularly men's clothing.
"People haven't been spending since 2008 – the banks pulled everyone down and people still aren't spending much."
He added: "The market might be an improvement – a farmers' market would be good."
Council leader Tony Ball said: "We are committed to creating opportunity for local people and this could be an innovative way of doing that in Wickford.
"There have been some recent shop closures in the town which could give us the opportunity to take some of them over on a short-term basis and add some vibrancy into the area and offer a chance to some local entrepreneurs.
"If it works in Wickford we would definitely look at rolling this out in other town centres."
If you are interested in setting up a pop-up shop, e-mail lucy.payne@basildon.gov.uk
