THE loss of auction sales in Great Dunmow in November last year was a blow to the town s history and tradition. But it has emerged that a new auction company is set to move into the area and fill the void left by Mullucks Wells and provide an auction hous

THE loss of auction sales in Great Dunmow in November last year was a blow to the town's history and tradition.

But it has emerged that a new auction company is set to move into the area and fill the void left by Mullucks Wells and provide an auction house in Great Dunmow for the foreseeable future.

The Broadcast has learned that international fine art and antiques auctioneers Boningtons will soon be opening an office in the location of the High Street.

This will enable customers to put in antiques for valuation that will be manned on a daily basis from 9am until 5pm by four valuers.

Sales and marketing director, Louise Asser, said: "We are really looking forward to meeting all customers who used to use the auction house, as we look to continue the 121 year tradition of an auction house in Dunmow."

The new company have also taken on two ex-employers of Mullucks Wells who were made redundant following the closure of the auction room. The pair, Steve Lester, specialising in fine jewellery and objects d'art, and secretary Jane Crouchman will no doubt supply some expert advice said Mrs Asser.

Although no site has been agreed yet for the new office, Boningtons are looking into a number of possibilities including taking on the old auction rooms in Chequers Lane, which are currently being emptied by current owners Mullucks Wells staff before a final decision on the site is to be made.

Dunmow Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Boningtons into the town hoping for a boost in trade.

Chairman Mike Perry said: "It was a real shame to lose the auction house last year, it brought people into the town who would also browse the shop windows in the High Street to see what else Dunmow has to offer."

Dunmow's traders now hope a new auction office will bring all those potential customers back to the town.

Mr Perry said: "We are all in favour of anything that brings more trade to the town. We also hope Boningtons will bring full scale auctions back to Dunmow in the future."

As a final welcome Mr Perry said Boningtons would be very welcome to join the chamber when it arrives in the town.