A TAKEOVER bid will be launched by Manningtree chamber of commerce in an effort to revamp the town’s “rubbish” market.

The chamber wants to take over the running of the market to help it thrive again.

Chamber chairman Jenine Collier says the town deserves better than the market it currently has.

She said: “As it is at the moment, the market has developed a reputation as nothing more than a small car boot market.

“It only has four stalls if you’re lucky. It’s rubbish.

“The market has been in our town since 1246 and we deserve better than what is on offer at the moment.”

The market is currently run by a local man on Tuesdays and Saturdays at Market Square.

If the chamber presses ahead with its bid it will be considered by Tendring Council and discussed with all parties.

Mrs Collier added: “If we proceed with this we will meet with Tendring Council and make sure we do everything the right way.

“Nothing is set in stone yet, but I think it is massively important to the town that we do something."

Chamber members hope to secure the takeover and launch the new-look market early next year.