Delays to the bypass are holding up talks over a raft of other ­traffic-related issues in Great Dunmow.

As reported by the Broadcast last week, the long-awaited stretch of road has again been postponed – and there’s currently no end-date in sight.

That is holding up the work of the recently-formed new Traffic Management Group, which is keen to tackle issues such as congestion and parking, and find suitable solutions.

Great Dunmow town clerk Caroline Fuller said the project cannot move forward until the bypass opens.

She said: “The traffic ­management working group recently had its inaugural ­meeting to see who was interested and what issues the town is facing.

“There will be another meeting soon, but the bypass is key – we’re all waiting to see what affect it will have on traffic movement around the town. It could have a big impact.”

A key stakeholder in the ­negotiations will be the market stall traders.

Talks of moving the market from Angel Lane car park to another location in the town have been mooted, with the aim of ­helping to rejuvenate the town. Both Market Place and outside the Co-op have been earmarked as possible alternative locations.

The Broadcast approached a number of the market traders this week and it seemed clear that, given the choice, they would rather stay put. Concerns were raised about capacity and ­question marks against whether the alternative sites can accommodate all the stalls and vehicles.

Andy Baxter, who runs the plant stall, said: “I am sure it is on the cards. For some reason they want this car park.

“If they do move us, there has to be a place for our vehicles.”

Alan Brown, who works on the card stall, said: “We would be happy to go down near the Co-op if it fits everybody in, but we would like to stay here given a choice. Everybody knows where the market is because it has been here for years.”

The town council has not yet officially approached the stallholders about any potential move, but Mrs Fuller said they would be involved in discussions. “There are all sorts of issues the working group wants to look at, including the market,” she said.

“The council, Town Team, Chamber of Trade & Commerce and the market traders will all be involved, to decide what is viable. It will all form part of the deliberation and research process.”

The town council is keen to hear residents’ views, both on traffic management in the town and the market. Call Mrs Fuller at Great Dunmow Town Council on 01371 872406.