A call has gone out to build a multi-storey car park in Witham.

Braintree district councillor Keiron Boylan, also a member of Witham Town Council, made the suggestion after plans to renew planning consent to hold Sunday markets and weekday parking on a site in Cut Throat Lane were revealed.

Peter Tuck, who owns the site, last held a market there 18 months ago but wants to extend permission for a year.

Though not opposed to the plan, Mr Boylan said he would like to see the site used to alleviate parking problems in Witham more effectively.

Mr Boylan said: "The market situation is an odd one. I will make sure we know definitely what will be done on the site. I would like to see some movement there. It is a long, drawn-out situation.

"Maybe a multi-storey car park could be used because Witham needs one badly. It is needed to relieve the area of traffic."

He is meeting Braintree council's chief planning officer today (Friday) to find out how the application will be dealt with.

The call for a multi-storey car park follows a suggestion last month by Tom Hewitt, Labour leader of Witham Town Council, to create more spaces for commuters on the Easton Road car park and the Cut Throat Lane site.

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