Braintree Village shopping centre has launched plans to install a 1,000sq m ice skating rink attract visitors over the next five winters.

The ice rink, measuring about 50 metres by 20 metres, is being planned on vacant land next to the Braintree Village north car park.

Owners plan to open the rink around early October and remove it in the second week of the following January.

The owners say the provision of the facility forms part of the “continued drive to enhance the public offer at the village" by providing improved leisure and recreational facilities, in its planning application to Braintree Council.

It adds: “Whilst only for a temporary period of 12 weeks, the provision of the ice rink and the short-term improvement of facilities, will enhance the reputation of the village and assist in continuing to attract investment.”

The planned development comes after the announcement that a free bus between Braintree shopping village and town centre could restart, amid concern over the slump in market activity

An agreement for a transport service between Braintree town centre and Braintree shopping village, previously known as Freeport Designer Village, had paused in 2019.

A recommendation has suggested that this should be resolved at the earliest opportunity, particularly on market days, to benefit customers visiting both areas.