A WELCOME boost is in store for Wickford as Basildon Borough Council has announced it will spend £1 million on the Nevendon Road regeneration scheme.
The council has also earmarked £100,000 for improvements to the town centre.
Basildon council will be working with developer, Lovell Homes, to redevelop 26 maisonettes and refurbish the shops in Nevendon Road, Wickford.
Funds from private developers totalling £3 million have been collected by the borough council since 2005.
Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, section 106 agreements mean developers must make community cash contributions, often to offset the impact of the development.
Conservative borough council member for Wickford Park, Don Morris, said: "The scheme involves putting new fronts on the shops, with a new canopy and roof to the Co-op and the fish and chip shop.
"There will also be redevelopment of the maisonettes to create a new estate.
"As well as doing this the town car park will be improved.
"We hope to bring the market onto the High Street on a more permanent basis. We have tried this a couple of times and it boosted the sales of the High Street stores by 30 per cent.
"It will help the stallholders as well as shopkeepers. Of course this will involve making some changes to the road, making it one-way or closing it temporarily while the market is open.
"We know from previous times we've done this that it really brings people into the town.
"It will be particularly attractive as we have free parking on a Saturday and a Sunday."
Mr Morris added: "I think traders will welcome the change and I think it will generally make Wickford a more pleasant place."
Pete Hamblin, the owner of the Motor Shop, Nevendon Road, said: "I don't think the changes are totally necessary but I do think it will improve the area. I've heard talk of the developments for a long time. I was under the impression they wanted to knock down some of the shops.
"As for the town centre, I think it's good that they're doing something, the High Street needs a bit of a facelift."
Rene Young, owner of In2Crafting, on the High Street, said: "Wickford could do with some attention.
"It will be good to see it happen as the town is in need of a revamp."
Tony Ball, leader of Basildon Council, said: "This will be really good for the area and will provide Wickford with better shops and housing.
"The Nevendon Road regeneration scheme aims to resolve two issues, the shops and maisonettes.
"It will be a great investment as the housing is unpopular with tenants and many of the shops are in need of an overhaul.
"I am looking forward to seeing the quality of housing and the town centre improve which will raise the quality of life and benefit our residents, shoppers and local businesses."
Nick Read, owner of Stephens Bouquet, on the High Street said: "I wouldn't hold your breath for these changes. The council has been proposing to regenerate the town for the 18 years that I've owned my shop.
"I would be concerned if the market was brought onto the High Street for more than one day a week as it causes complete chaos to traffic."
