Halstead's traders should cover the income the town council gets from parking to make it all free, a market trader has said.

Mitch Redman, who owns Mitch’s Fruit and Vegetable stall in the market, has said that free parking would be a “great headline” for Halstead.

Currently, there is free parking for one hour in the high street and for three hours in the Solar car park.

However, Mitch believes there should be more available for longer.

He added: “I am not sure that everyone will agree, but I think that traders should pay a levy to the town council so there can be free parking."