Maldon High Street will be forced out of business if there is no radical overhaul of the town's new Monday market, it is claimed.
Shopkeepers say the long-awaited trial, launched in March after months of delay, is deterring rather than attracting visitors to the town because of "chaotic" traffic changes.
Market operator Joe Villiar said improvements were being made week by week.
He said: "I do liaise with the shops and they notice more footfall, especially the coffee shops.
"The whole idea is to attract more people.
"People are looking for every reason why the market shouldn't be there."
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