A SURVEY has been launched to see how a town centre can improve after the coronavirus pandemic.

Ross Playle, Witham Northern’s Conservative candidate for the Essex County Council elections, has launched the survey to get residents views on how the town centre can come back better.

Mr Playle has led calls for a new town centre masterplan, joining forced with councillor Kevin Atwill, Chair of Witham Town Council's Regeneration Group and councillor Tom Cunningham, Braintree District Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure.

Mr Playle said his first priority will be to "secure the town centre's economic future" and deliver changes "residents want to see."

He added: "Any Masterplan must be community driven and the views of residents and local businesses have to be at its heart. Results from the survey mean I will be able to hit the ground running from day one in May with residents’ views on what they would like to see to build a better and more resilient high street as we get Essex moving again.”

The survey asks for residents to comment on what they currently like about the town centre and what they would like to see in the future.

Councillor Cunningham said: "These are difficult times for our town centres and many of our retailers and services have shown fantastic resilience in adapting their businesses to continue to trade.

"Witham is a unique town and its range of independent stores and choice of eateries compares favourably to other similar sized towns.”

“Braintree District Council, working with the community, is determined to bring forward public realm improvements and an exciting programme of markets and events, when restrictions are lifted. Works starting later this year.

"Both with the purpose of increasing footfall and ensuring Witham is best placed to bounce back better.”

To complete the survey online at withamconservatives.org.uk/townsurvey or call 01376 520649 leaving your name and address and one will be posted to you.