SHOPPERS fear that plans to install seats on a market area could be dangerous.

Money has been put aside to create a seating area on Epping's controversial piazza.

But last year bollards were removed following a number of people seriously injuring themselves by tripping over them. And Epping town council decided not to put in flower beds on the paved area because of the same concerns.

But councillors have now suggested that seats could be a good idea.

Local shoppers were not so convinced.

Arthur Williams, 76 from Epping said seats are a "menace" for tripping over.

He added: "I'm very worried about falling over, absolutely.

"People shopping are not looking for seats and don't concentrate on what's in front. It's dangerous.

"I have tripped up the kerb around here and that's when I can see it.

"If you've got seats surrounded by market stalls it would create even more of a hazard.

"Besides, I could think of far prettier places to put seats than next to a busy road with all those fumes and noise."

Doreen Pulyk, 80 from Ongar agreed.

She said: "Sometimes when walking through the town the sun is always right in your eyes and when the market stalls are there, even by the front you can trip over.

"If they put in a lot of seats I would be worried about falling over.

"It would be nice to have seats because there's nowhere to sit, but perhaps not there."

While Frances Beasley, 67 was concerned a seating area could damage the market.

She said: "Seating might get in the way of stalls, that's the problem. It would take up their space."

Town Clerk Bob Whittome said any seats would be installed close to the fountain.

He added: "Otherwise people will fall over these things.

"We are concerned about the long term future of the market, and the plans, although might beautify the town, could damage the market. This doesn't seem like a good idea seeing as there are lots of markets disappearing over the country.

"We want to make sure it is well thought through before it goes forward. Any seating will be tight against the fountain so people can't fall over them. We don't want anymore trip hazards."