STREET traders in Colchester claim the town needs a “fresh bum on its seat in the House of Commons”.

Several spoke out in support of Conservative candidate Will Quince during a walk around town with former leader William Hague yesterday.

Ten thousand people signed a petition to keep traders in Colchester’s Culver Street West.

An eviction notice, served by Colchester Council, has been lifted and the traders will be allowed to remain.

Discussions are now taking place between the council and the traders so they can agree on longer term arrangements.

Many praised Mr Quince for his help. Greengrocer MarkGoodacre said: “We want a thriving market and thriving street traders. We want everyone to be successful.

“We have got to thank Will Quince for supporting us.

“We need a fresh bum on the seat in the House of Commons.”

Fellow trader Shahid Zaman said the news was a relief, but added “nothing is straightforward”.

He said: “We need better terms.We have not got a problem with the market, we can both be separate and successful.”

Mr Hague said: “We are all for businesses being able to succeed and they need support to be able to do it. A thriving market and street traders are vital to the life of a town. Will Quince has fought for them and is getting some great comments and support from them.”

The former Foreign Secretary also answered questions about the town’s struggling infrastructure and the future for Colchester’s soldiers.

He said: “You need a sitting Conservative MP to campaign for these things and a Conservative majority.

“We need to improve the infrastructure here and we have been investing in the roads.”

He added: “We all appreciate what the soldiers do. The international situation is unstable and we will need strong Armed Forces, so there will be no further reductions under a Conservative Government. That is a very clear commitment.”

Following his visit to Colchester, Mr Hague went to Clacton where he did a walkabout of the town with its Conservative parliamentary candidate, Giles Watling.

! Colchester’s general election candidates also include Sir Bob Russell (Lib Dem), Jordan Newell (Labour), John Pitts (Ukip), Mark Goacher (Green Party) and Ken Scrimshaw (Christian People’s Alliance).