Chance to have a say on latest pedestrianisation scheme
Thursday, 19th January 2012.
The latest plans for pedestrianising Haverhill High Street go on display from next week for the public to comment on.
The proposals are much the same as those brought before Haverhill Area Working Party last year, with closure of Swan Lane and redirection of cross-town traffic via Crowland Road.
Two options are included for Crowland Road, one-way south-west from Withersfield Road, or two-way but with parking on both sides banned in the lower section down to the Withersfied Road junction.
High Street would be closed by barrier from 10am to 4pm Sunday to Thursday, and 6am to 6pm Friday and Saturday, with the Friday market moving there.
Outside these times all parking in High Street would still be banned, except for a certain number of disabled spaces.
Suffolk County Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council say they are working together on improving the shopping experience in Haverhill’s main shopping thoroughfare, including an upgrade for the street environment and day time pedestrianisation of the High Street.
Residents and businesses are now to be asked their views on the plans for the future of the High Street, to be unveiled at an exhibition at Haverhill Arts Centre on January 27.
Cllr Anne Gower, St Edmundsbury Cabinet member for Haverhill said: “The two-way conversation between Haverhill residents and the councils is transforming the town.
"People have told us that they want improved shopping opportunities, and we are responding. The plans going on show are proposals for hard landscaping the High Street between Swan Lane and Quaker’s Lane, and for traffic restrictions that put pedestrians first.
"I hope that as many people as possible will be able to drop in and talk to us."
Cllr Gower said it was important to get a decision made and to get on with it as soon as possible, sending a signal to potential retailers that the local authorities are prepared to invest in the town centre so it would be worth their while looking at it as well.
"We will never be able to please everybody," she said, "but we have to strike a balance and then get on with it."
Cllr Guy McGregor, Suffolk County Council portfolio holder for roads, transport and planning, said: “This scheme is an important part of the work that we are doing to help improve the quality of life for the residents of the town.
"It is important that the residents of Haverhill and local businesses have their say on the proposed changes and I would urge everyone to view these proposals and to let us know your views either at the exhibition or online."
The plans display and questionnaire will run from January 27 to February 10. Residents and businesses will be able to view the boards in the Arts Centre in Haverhill High Street or at www.suffolk.gov.uk/consultations
The timescale indicated in the exhibition will show planning application in the spring and completion of the work by the end of this year.
However, there are still objectors, and any of them could take the scheme to a public inquiry, which would delay matters.
The proposals are much the same as those brought before Haverhill Area Working Party last year, with closure of Swan Lane and redirection of cross-town traffic via Crowland Road.
Two options are included for Crowland Road, one-way south-west from Withersfield Road, or two-way but with parking on both sides banned in the lower section down to the Withersfied Road junction.
High Street would be closed by barrier from 10am to 4pm Sunday to Thursday, and 6am to 6pm Friday and Saturday, with the Friday market moving there.
Outside these times all parking in High Street would still be banned, except for a certain number of disabled spaces.
Suffolk County Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council say they are working together on improving the shopping experience in Haverhill’s main shopping thoroughfare, including an upgrade for the street environment and day time pedestrianisation of the High Street.
Residents and businesses are now to be asked their views on the plans for the future of the High Street, to be unveiled at an exhibition at Haverhill Arts Centre on January 27.
Cllr Anne Gower, St Edmundsbury Cabinet member for Haverhill said: “The two-way conversation between Haverhill residents and the councils is transforming the town.
"People have told us that they want improved shopping opportunities, and we are responding. The plans going on show are proposals for hard landscaping the High Street between Swan Lane and Quaker’s Lane, and for traffic restrictions that put pedestrians first.
"I hope that as many people as possible will be able to drop in and talk to us."
Cllr Gower said it was important to get a decision made and to get on with it as soon as possible, sending a signal to potential retailers that the local authorities are prepared to invest in the town centre so it would be worth their while looking at it as well.
"We will never be able to please everybody," she said, "but we have to strike a balance and then get on with it."
Cllr Guy McGregor, Suffolk County Council portfolio holder for roads, transport and planning, said: “This scheme is an important part of the work that we are doing to help improve the quality of life for the residents of the town.
"It is important that the residents of Haverhill and local businesses have their say on the proposed changes and I would urge everyone to view these proposals and to let us know your views either at the exhibition or online."
The plans display and questionnaire will run from January 27 to February 10. Residents and businesses will be able to view the boards in the Arts Centre in Haverhill High Street or at www.suffolk.gov.uk/consultations
The timescale indicated in the exhibition will show planning application in the spring and completion of the work by the end of this year.
However, there are still objectors, and any of them could take the scheme to a public inquiry, which would delay matters.
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