TWO town centre landmarks are being moved as work continues to relocate Basildon Market.

Basildon’s town clock is being taken from St Martin’s Square and will soon be moved to its new home in Town Square. Meanwhile, the King Edgar’s Head statue, created by the late Basildon artist Dave Chapple, will be removed for restoration, before being returned to St Martin’s Square upon completion of the market project.

Contractors have begun preparatory work to create the market in St Martin’s Square, which will offer 46 modern kiosks with electricity and water, as well as pop-up stalls.

The market’s move will allow South Essex College to start construction on its new state-of-the-art campus in the Market Square. Some trees will be removed, but will be replaced once construction is completed.

The relocation of the clock will see it return to its original location in Town Square – it was moved in 2005 to allow steps and a lift to High Pavement to be built.

King Edgar’s Head, a stone statue depicting the medieval monarch who ruled in the 10th century, was installed in 2010.

It is held within the Basildon Arts Trust Collection under the care of The Foundation for Essex Arts (TFEA) charity on behalf of the Chapple family.

Liz Grant, trustee director for TFEA, said: “We are grateful to Basildon Council for its sensitive attention to this matter.

“TFEA is pleased to have been consulted and is fully supportive of the repositioning work.”