CONCERNED councillors say it is just as well plans to hold a market on Maldon’s quayside were abandoned after the proposed site was flooded during high tides.

Proposals for a market along Hythe Quay formed part of Maldon District Council’s masterplan to transform Maldon and Heybridge.

Other suggestions in the plan included an iconic bridge over the River Chelmer and outdoor dining on High Street but in July the market proposals were scrapped after the public failed to back the bid during a public consultation.

Residents claimed a marketplace would block access, restrict views, damage the working quay and spoil the much loved atmosphere along the historic waterfront.

The proposed site for the market was left underwater earlier this month .

Councillor Stephen Savage, who represents both the town and district councils, said: “I have seen this very regular flooding at the quay since first coming to Maldon for sailing pastime since 1969.”

A Maldon District Council spokesman said “Maldon Town Council’s response came via the town clerk and no individual town councillors responded.

“There is no mention of flooding being an issue in the town council’s response.

“The main reason for council’s decision to remove the kiosks proposal from the masterplan was the working nature of the quay and the riverside businesses’ concerns of incompatibility.

“However, the masterplan retains the initiative to manage the car parking and improve the public realm at Hythe Quay.”