BUSINESSES say talks on pedestrianising part of the town centre are a “nice idea” but solving parking problems should be top of the list.

Vicki Meredith, co-owner of Reed Hair, in the High Street, said: “It would make the high street look pretty.

“A lot of the market towns tourists visit are pretty towns so maybe it would bring in more people.

“But as a business I’m not sure it would have much benefit for us.

“More car parking would be a better way of helping us. We have so many clients who are late to appointments because they simply can’t find a parking space.”

David Shaw, manager at the Blue Boar hotel, added: “I would say the biggest issue is parking. I’d have doubts about where the traffic would go – in theory it’s a nice idea but in practise would it work?”

Maldon mayor Jeanette Stilts said she would support a car-free zone.

She said: “I think it is a good idea but it will depend on how it is done.

“It would need to be worked around things like deliveries to the shops though.

“If it was pedestrianised, then there is lots more than could be done with the high street.

“There are quite a few ideas on what to do but I do agree something needs to be done to bring life back. I was there at the weekend and noticed how quiet it was.”

Residents in the town are also behind the proposals to make High Street for pedestrians only.

Sandra Miller, of Fambridge Road, said: “I think it’s a great idea, people complain all the time about how polluted and full of traffic the high street is, having at least part of it as free rein for people to walk around would feel like a breath of fresh air.”

Sam Barnes, of Cross Road, added: “With less vehicles on part of it, the road opens up for more events to happen and people, products and businesses out there interacting with each other.”