BANNING traffic from Maldon’s high street would give business a big boost, a leading councillor has said.

Michael Pearlman, who sits on the district and town councils, has called for a stretch of the road from West Square to Market Hill to be pedestrianised.

He says it is “essential” for Maldon to keep with the times and help struggling high street businesses.

Mr Pearlman is in talks with groups at the district council to find ways of improving the town centre scene.

He said: “When you walk through the high street now, from Promenade Park to West Square there are 20 empty buildings.

“While some of these are due to be filled in the near future, it is a picture similar to nearly all towns in the country. They’re struggling against the rise of internet shopping.

“When sitting down with the district council I put forward several key points for improvement, and the fundamental point is pedestrianisation.

“It has worked in places such as Chelmsford, and for a smaller town like Maldon it would really, really help its businesses attract more footfall.

“It can also mean more street festivals and activities can happen, without a need to apply for road closures.

“This can mean the smaller businesses showing off their products.”

Concerns have previously been raised over air pollution levels on Market Hill.

Last month the Standard reported how a study had found high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide which could exceed Government-set annual limits.

Mr Pearlman believes that pedestrianisation could make Market Hill a one-way road, which would tackle the problem.

He added: “There would be lots of complications involved in doing it, the surfacing costs, the re-routing of all the buses and cars, but it’s not impossible.

“When I put forward pedestrianisation at the meetings I was given strong support, plus many businesses have also backed the idea when I spoke to them. It is essential Maldon keep with the times, people love coming here, but high streets are struggling.

“I live and breathe the business in this town, I truly believe it can work.”

The suggestion to pedestrianise Maldon’s high street have been rebuffed by the district council.

The authority said the idea had been discussed as part of the Maldon and Heybridge Central Masterplan and was “not currently considered an option.”

Paul Dodson, director of strategy, performance and governance at the council, said; “Parking and traffic management on Maldon High Street has been considered through the Maldon and Heybridge Central Area Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document.

“Pedestrianisation of Maldon’s High Street has been thought about through the masterplan process and is not currently considered an option.

“However, any opportunities or incentives to ensure the future viability of Maldon’s High Street will be taken on their own merit and would need to be carefully considered.”

Highways bosses have said they would be open to discussing the possibility of banning vehicles from the road.

But Essex County Council’s deputy leader and councillor responsible for infrastructure Kevin Bentley said the onus would be on the district council to drive any proposals forward.

He said: “We would welcome discussion of this proposal and will certainly engage with Maldon District Council if they wish to take it forward.

“Before any such major change could be made, a full consultation with local businesses and residents would be essential.

“There may well be knock-on effects on access and routes and other local roads which must be properly considered.”