Widemarsh Street trial on the cards

Shoppers in Hereford’s Widemarsh Street could get a taste of what a car-free Widemarsh Street would be like if it was pedestrianised.
Herefordshire Council launched a public consultation on options for a trial pedestrianisation of Widemarsh Street and High Street which will take place during the summer.
The proposals were unveiled at a public meeting which took place January 26, at the Green Dragon Hotel in Broad Street, Hereford.
At the select committee-style meeting, the Council presented its plans for the possible trial -along with two options for consideration - and listened to interested parties who had the opportunity to have their say.

In May this year Widemarsh Street and High Street will be closed to through traffic when part of the High Street is repaved in conjunction with the overall refurbishment of Eign Gate.

Immediately after that closure, which is expected to last for several weeks, an experimental pedestrianisation scheme could begin to test out the viability of a long-term scheme to improve conditions in Widemarsh Street.

If there is support for the trial, two options being considered for the experimental pedestrianisation scheme are:

1.       Widemarsh Street and High Street closed to traffic at all times with limited access allowed for servicing business premises outside core shopping hours

2.       Widemarsh Street and High Street closed to all traffic between 10.30am and 4.30pm each day. Outside these times the roads would be open to all traffic.

The consultation also seeks views on whether any trial scheme should operate only during the summer months of 2005 or whether it should extend to cover Christmas as well.
The aim of the trial would be to allow the Council to reach a more informed decision on whether any long-term measures should be introduced during 2006.

Cllr Mike Wilson, Cabinet Member (Highways & Transportation), said: “There has been a clear demand from the public for the Council to find a way of improving conditions for pedestrians and shoppers in Widemarsh Street and High Street.
“This consultation is the first step towards achieving a solution that will make a lasting difference for the better to the quality of the City’s shopping environment.”

The consultation period is open until Friday, February 18, and questionnaires can be obtained on-line at http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/ltp/
Copies are also available at the Info in Herefordshire office at Garrick House or by telephoning (01432) 260966.