Market organisers are holding talks with other operators after a prestigious firm pulled out of bringing 100 stalls to Witham.

A long-awaited artisan market in Newlands Street suffered a huge blow after Charfleets, which runs popular markets in Dagenham, Barking, Rayleigh and Pitsea, decided it no longer wanted to be involved in the project.

It is believed that the company pulled out after the Maketing Witham community interest company scaled back plans in response to bus company Stephenson’s of Essex’s objections to any road closures.

Community leaders have contacted other providers to rescue the plans however they are yet to make a decision.

Corinne Thompson, councillor and director of Marketing Witham, said: “We have got a couple of enquiries and we are still checking the details to make sure we get the right company to work with.

“There are a few people interested but we have to make sure they understand Witham’s demographic."

See this week's Witham Times for the full story.