High Street Project
The pedestrianisation of the High Street is seen by the majority to be a positive asset to the town but the questionnaires and surveys which were carried out raised a number of problems which need to be resolved to satisfy the multifarious needs of the users. Our project is therefore to have a review of the High Street looking at the following 6 areas:
To review access for cars and lorries
This will look at:
- the times at which cars and delivery lorries will be allowed to enter and leave the High Street, and a way to restrict entry when pedestriansation is in force
- the times at which cars will be allowed to park in the High Street
where parking will be permitted so that pedestrians are not denied access to the shops - speed limits, because cars and cycles are driving too fast for safety at the moment
- signage so that both pedestrians and drivers are clearly directed to the main features of the town
To review access for those with reduced mobility
People would like reduced unpredictabilities in the High Street and this is especially true for the elderly, those with disabilities and parents with young children.
The problems include:
- The trip hazards on the cobbled area and the drainage gully which could be solved by the creation of a level surface throughout
- Having a safe place to walk when cars are allowed in after 4.30
- A more careful placing of the A-boards which obstruct the walking areas to the sides
To improve the attractiveness of the area
Our surveys have found that the High Street could be made more attractive by:
- providing more seating especially for those who need to sit on a shopping expedition, better lighting, more litter bins and more attractive cycle racks which are better placed.
- Planting schemes, especially in the area of the ramps which would help soften the overall outlook
- Sign boards and finger posts which would make the town more welcoming by providing essential information
- Shop fronts, displays and facades which need to be more in keeping with a small market town rather than a large scale shopping centre
- The surface of the High Street which needs to be better maintained, with oil drips from parked cars being regularly cleaned and damaged surface areas to be mended sympathetically
To improve the social role of the High Street
Socially the town lacks an attractive focal point, a place where people can meet and chat or simply sit and watch the world go by. It is a possibility that the area of the ramps could be developed into such an area especially if the vista into Church Street were to be opened up.
Secondly, the High Street needs to be a more attractive, interesting place for children, their parents and visitors so that they want to return.
To review the needs of the markets
In the case of the markets it is finding out their needs for loading and unloading especially when the consideration of pedestrians and early ‘pop and shop’ parkers make this more difficult.
To improve the footfall to the town shops and markets
We see this being achieved by means of improving the retail provision and environmental character of the Town Centre, plus improving the parking provision and access - all of which are dealt with in detail under our own specific projects.
Finally having carried out the review the task will be to implement the recommendations of the review panel.