The idea of a town centre manager for Braintree has received strong support from town centre traders.

Russell Everard, Braintree Council economic development manager, who raised the idea at the Braintree Area Forum last night, said Braintree Town Centre Strategy Group had been lobbying the council for the creation of such a position for a long time.

He asked people what they thought a town centre manger should do and to whom he or she should be accountable.

John Jemison, representing the Braintree Town Centre Traders' Association, said: "All of us who are town centre traders would welcome the appointment as soon as possible."

He said he would like to see a manager appointed to concentrate on Braintree, rather than Witham and Halstead as well, but said a sharing arrangement would be a compromise.

He said: "We think it is a very urgent appointment, particularly if you think of what is going on in the High Street, the number of shops that need to be enhanced."

And he called for the post to deal with the development of the market, and to involve traders in any discussions. Mr Everard said the source of funding was vital to the creation of the role, and a partnership between the council and the private sector would be considered.

He said discussions would be organised with interested parties, and an agreement may be reached before March.

David Mann, executive councillor for employment and development, said he had supported the principle for many years.

Mr Mann favoured a single manager with responsibility for the three towns.

He said: "We are aware that the towns are very different but they have some common problems that could be strategically addressed."

By Robbie Looker

Reporter's e-mail: robbie_looker@thisisessex.co.uk

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