Hands off our shops - Traders tell Council
Echo 4 August 2008

FURIOUS shopkeepers have mounted a petition against council plans to sell off their shops for development. Basildon Council's cabinet has voted to sell the Park Lodge parade of five shops in Nevendon Road, Wickford.
   As was revealed by the Echo, councillors at a private meeting approved in principle to a mixed use development on the site. The shops would be moved forward to make room for homes.
   Shopkeepers say they first learnt of the plan last year, but now want clear answers on what the council has decided.
   Steve Carter, of Steven's Fish and Chips, said: "We don't know whether we are coming or going. It's a very well used parade of shops."
   Around 200 people signed the petition against the sell-off in the first three hours.