I was interested to read Tendring is seeking buskers to enliven Clacton’s town centre. Good for them.

I’ve visited London’s Brick Lane, Spitalfields, South Bank and Covent Garden many times on a Sunday and have long thought Colchester could learn a trick or two from the capital.

We rely too much on our heritage and major set piece events to boost footfall.

Those in the Lower Castle Park and the cycling race are popular, but don’t help takings in central shops.

I suggest the general Saturday market is transferred to St Nicholas Square and Long Wyre Street. Culver Street East can then be devoted to gourmet/organic products and hot ethnic food to go.

All the council would have to do is provide continental- style stalls and some monitoring of operating standards – a bit classy and strictly no burger vans.

The area south of River Island should host street entertainment – lightweight stuff to bring some joy to the drudgery of shopping.

Watch and go.

There are enough local singers, dancers – young and old, modern and traditional, solo or group – who could put on two 45-minute gigs on a Saturday across 40 weeks a year. All they would need is a gazebo and a power source.

They would have to meet a reasonable standard and be able to collect voluntary donations in the hat for themselves or a charity.

Again, not hard to pull together or fill the diary.

Volunteers could support the council lead.

The tourism and enterprise department should spend less time on big ventures and think little and often. It would improve the shopping experience and support the static stores every week.

It can easily be done within the existing spaces, and with minimum fuss.

The product – ideas and talent – is out there. It just needs a little imagination and co-ordination to pull it together. But would Colchester Council be up for it?

Nick Chilvers
Canwick Grove
Colchester