Fears market traffic is 'annihilating' golf range

North Weald Market has surged in popularity, Epping Forest District Council says

The owner of a golf range said congestion caused by a nearby market was "annihilating" his business.

Paul Sullivan said it was taking some customers half an hour to drive just 1.5 miles (2.4km) from junction 7 of the M11 to North Weald Golf Range.

Business owners have complained huge tailbacks were being seen due to a rise in visitors to North Weald Market, in Essex.

Epping Forest District Council, which owns the airfield where the market operates, said it was working to identify a solution.

The market hosts more than 300 traders every Saturday, with former The Apprentice personality Thomas Skinner among those to have hosted a stall.

Mr Sullivan said the rise in its popularity had led to his business, in Rayley Lane, being up to 50% down on market days.

Paul Sullivan has run North Weald Golf Range for eight years

"Golf lessons are cancelled or people just don't show up because they can't get to the part where we are," the 52-year-old said.

"It becomes incredibly inconvenient for them and it takes a long time. It affects business quite horrendously.

"We don't mind functioning next to a market but not when it is annihilating our business like it is."

'Not really fair'

Joanne Bain also highlighted issues around the volume of traffic.

"We end up with cars parking in our residential street too which is not really fair when there’s so much room on the airfield," she added.

The pair were among several people who called for Epping Forest District Council to find a solution.

They hoped traffic could be eased on the nearby A414, Rayley Lane, Vicarage Lane and Church Lane.

The market is held at North Weald Airfield on Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays

A council spokeswoman said the authority was aware of the issue.

"We understand the frustration this can bring to residents and visitors to the village and surrounding area," she said.

"We are working closely with the market operator to identify possible solutions.”

The organisers of North Weald Market were contacted for further comment.