STALLHOLDERS selling everything from clothing to fruit and veg are queuing up to join Southend’s relaunched market.

More than two dozen market traders have expressed an interest in joining the market, which is set to start in Southend High Street this autumn.

Organiser Trevor Day, who holds weekly stalls at markets in Rayleigh, Rochford and Roots Hall, said: “The traders are very excited. It’s something new and something different. It’s going to bring footfall to a dying High Street.”

The market, which will be held between the High Street railway bridge and Clinton Cards every Thursday morning, is expected to launch with between 15 and 20 stalls.

But it has the capacity to grow up to 40 stalls, snaking up the High Street and around into London Road.

The council would collect pitch fees of about £25 per week to cover inspections and licensing, but the market would be largely independent, with traders providing their own stalls and power and removing their own rubbish.

Stallholders would have to apply to the council to hold a stall and pay pitch fees in advance.

A panel of officers, including licensing and trading standards as well as a representative from Southend Bid will process any application for quality standard purposes.

Andrew Moring, Tory Southend councillor responsible for corporate services, said: “‘I am delighted Southend Council has been able to make arrangements to provide a new town centre market.

“The position has been chosen in the heart of the town centre following feedback from residents and traders, who said the York Road market failed to grow because it was off the beaten track. I would like to thank all members of the working party who contributed to making this a reality.”