TALKS are still under way in an effort to resolve the dispute over Colchester’s street traders.

Six street traders are fighting council orders to move their stalls from Culver Street West to the new High Street market when it starts trading on Friday.

Traders have collected a 7,500- name petition, calling to be left where they are.

Tory councillor Will Quince, who is standing for the party in the general election, called an extraordinary meeting of Colchester Council for tomorrow, urging senior councillors to talk to the traders. However, he has now withdrawn his motion, because of the on-going talks, and the meeting has been cancelled.

Lib Dem councillor Anne Turrell, the council’s deputy leader, who has special responsibility for economic development and regeneration, said discussions were still going on.

She add: “I would describe the talks as positive, but they are still on-going.”

The council is now officially in “purdah”, the period before an election when it is not allowed to make long-term or contentious decisions.