One of the biggest changes since it was acquired by the town council three years ago is under way with the removal – and replacement- of trees on Wisbech market place.

Cambs Times: Wisbech Sunday market.Wisbech Sunday market. (Image: Archant)

Council leader David Oliver said all the trees – and a plinth in the centre of the market- would go.

In their place will come moveable containers – full of trees- that will provide flexibility to improve community facilities on the market place.

Cllr Oliver said plans to remove the existing trees were well under way but formal consent will be needed with Fenland Council since the market place is within the conservation area.

“By taking those trees out of the centre we can then open up the market place when we want to do events,” he said. “At the moment the trees effectively cut the market area in half.”

Parking will remain on the southern side and the northern portion will remain pedestrianised.

He said in spring, for instance, the council will provide different trees to later in the year and in December Christmas trees will go up in each corner of the market. Power sockets may also be put in to enable “a canopy of light” to be created for the Christmas season.

The council says it has also been forced to act because of the damage caused to the market place by the existing trees put in 20 years ago.

“Basically they were put into the ground in concrete collars and the roots are confined,” said Cllr Oliver.

“Our plans will make the market much more attractive.”

Ownership of Wisbech Market Place transferred from Fenland District Council to Wisbech Town Council four years ago for a nominal payment of £1.

It followed a long period of consultation and debate, particularly over who should have responsibility for its upkeep and traffic flow.