‘Pedestrian friendly’ trial for town

An opportunity has arisen to trial the town centre as a more pedestrian friendly area by reducing through traffic.

Phase three of Shropshire County Council’s Shrewsbury Town Centre Enhancement scheme is scheduled to start next week (Monday 28 January).

This final phase will include improvements to the pavements, bus lane and the introduction of pedestrian facilities on Dogpole, and follows on from the successful work already completed on Castle Gates and Wyle Cop.

For these works to be carried out safely, and due to the narrowness of the streets, Dogpole and St. Mary's Street will have to be closed for eight weeks, starting from Monday 7 April.

This essential closure also gives the council an opportunity to explore how they can reduce traffic in the town centre and improve the environment for pedestrians.

During this trial, it is proposed to make the town centre access only and limit through traffic using the high street and town walls routes.

John Everall, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “The final phase of this scheme provides us with a unique opportunity to trial the town as a more pedestrian friendly area, something of which has been long standing objective of the council and its many stakeholders.

“We will be working closely with stakeholders and local residents to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum and we hope that with your patience and co-operation, the works will run smoothly and efficiently.

“This trial could go some way to making the town centre an even more pleasant place to live, work and visit.”

Final details are still to be finalised and these will be made known after consultation with stakeholders.

25 January 2008