A retail supremo says drastic action must be taken to revitalise and save Witham’s high street.

Bill Grimsey, who gained a reputation for masterminding the recovery of big brands such as Iceland and DIY group Wickes, joined Priti Patel, MP for Witham, Town Mayor Corinne Thompson and councillors to talk to traders and give his recommendations, which included drastic changes to the layout of the Newlands Shopping Centre.

“The old shopping centre needs to be completely remodelled and covered over and turned into a leisure park, with shops, cafes and entertainment,” he said.

“The high street needs to be a community hub, not just a shopping centre, it needs to draw people back to the town."

A meeting held after the tour with representatives from both Braintree and Witham Council, Witham Town Team and local business leaders, saw Mr Grimsey urge the various organisations to join together to create a better high street, rather than attempting to tackle the issue separately.

“What they are doing is really good but they are all doing it independently.

“I said you’ve got to get joined up and decide what Witham should stand for in the future, what will make it a unique place to work, live and play."