Scrutiny Committee - Widemarsh Street

The Community Services Scrutiny Committee will stage a meeting on the trial pedestrianisation of Widemarsh Street in the New Year.

The public can hear a debate over the trial scheme in Hereford City Centre during the committee’s meeting, at the Green Dragon Hotel, Broad Street, Hereford, on January 11, at 6pm.

A cross section of community groups including businesses, the taxi association, police and other interested parties have been invited. 
 
The Scrutiny Committee will reconvene at Brockington, on January 13, at 2pm, when councillors will consider all the issues, including points raised at the meeting on January 11, before recommendations are made for the Cabinet Member (Cllr Brian Wilcox) to consider.

The Cabinet will meet at Brockington, on January 26, when a final decision is likely to be made over the future of the scheme.

Cllr Chris Chappell, Chairman of Community Services Scrutiny Committee, said: “A cross section of community groups have been invited to the Community Services Scrutiny Committee meeting.

“This will be the last opportunity for those groups to have their say over the trial pedestrianisation of Widemarsh Street before recommendations are drawn up for the Cabinet Member.

“This decision will have a lasting impact on the City Centre for years to come.”

The Scrutiny Committee is empowered to explore the economic, visitor and community aspects of the trial pedestrianisation. 

Under the trial pedestrianisation of Widemarsh Street, launched in June 2005, the road is closed to traffic seven days week from 10.30am – 4.30pm. 
  
The current pedestrianisation arrangements will remain in operation through the Christmas and New Year period but will be suspended from January 9 2006 when work starts on the complete repaving of High Street.

During these works, which are expected to last between 8 and 10 weeks, High Street will be closed to traffic and Widemarsh Street will only be open for access by delivery vehicles and taxis.

As part of the trial period, Herefordshire Council has engaged in a detailed consultation with the public.

This consultation has included around 80,000 questionnaires being sent to residents, business questionnaires, an on-line survey and a series of public meetings.