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A select committee-style meeting at which expert witnesses will be called to give evidence is to be held before Herefordshire Council makes a decision over the pedestrianisation of Widemarsh Street.
Representatives from traders, taxi drivers, bus operators, disabled groups, and the emergency services will be invited to attend the meeting planned for the evening of Wednesday, January 26.
"We don’t want to get to the stage where we make some changes and then someone comes out and states that they didn’t have an opportunity to have their say," said Cllr Chris Chappell, Chairman of the Council’s Social & Economic Development Scrutiny Committee, who has called the meeting.
"We can’t simply stop all traffic going down Widemarsh Street. That would be unworkable and unfair on the main traders who need access to their properties along with our taxi drivers who need access to pick up and drop off customers.
"This would also be a retrograde step for those who have mobility difficulties.
"This is a golden opportunity to create a pedestrian zone which attracts more shoppers into the city centre and boost the city centre’s economy.
"But we must make sure we get it right. There are many voices which must be heard and this meeting will be an opportunity for interested parties to speak directly to those who will eventually be making decisions on the road," added Cllr Chappell.
The meeting is due to take place in St Peter’s Church, in St Peter's Square, Hereford, on the evening of Wednesday, January 26, and starts at 6pm
A number of "key witnesses" representing local organisations will be invited. The meeting will be open to the public who will have the opportunity to have their say and question some of those giving evidence.
Widemarsh Street Pedestrianisation - Have Your Say
A select committee-style meeting at which expert witnesses will be called to give evidence is to be held before Herefordshire Council makes a decision over the pedestrianisation of Widemarsh Street.
Representatives from traders, taxi drivers, bus operators, disabled groups, and the emergency services will be invited to attend the meeting planned for the evening of Wednesday, January 26.
"We don’t want to get to the stage where we make some changes and then someone comes out and states that they didn’t have an opportunity to have their say," said Cllr Chris Chappell, Chairman of the Council’s Social & Economic Development Scrutiny Committee, who has called the meeting.
"We can’t simply stop all traffic going down Widemarsh Street. That would be unworkable and unfair on the main traders who need access to their properties along with our taxi drivers who need access to pick up and drop off customers.
"This would also be a retrograde step for those who have mobility difficulties.
"This is a golden opportunity to create a pedestrian zone which attracts more shoppers into the city centre and boost the city centre’s economy.
"But we must make sure we get it right. There are many voices which must be heard and this meeting will be an opportunity for interested parties to speak directly to those who will eventually be making decisions on the road," added Cllr Chappell.
The meeting is due to take place in St Peter’s Church, in St Peter's Square, Hereford, on the evening of Wednesday, January 26, and starts at 6pm
A number of "key witnesses" representing local organisations will be invited. The meeting will be open to the public who will have the opportunity to have their say and question some of those giving evidence.