COLCHESTER High Street is “unlikely” to become fully pedestrianised despite plans to make it more accessible for walkers and cyclists, a leading politician has said.
Colchester Council’s masterplan for the future of the city centre suggests High Street could become a “low traffic, people focused street where spaces for walking, cycling and outdoor seating are maximised”.
The proposals don’t call for a complete ban on vehicles in the city centre, however, with the council insisting “complete pedestrianisation is not being proposed” and that it wants to ensure access for public transport, deliveries, and blue badge holders is maintained.
Wivenhoe councillor Mark Cory feels the council is making “positive steps going forward” to improve the city centre.
“Essex County Council controls transport issues in Colchester and I would like to see more consideration on these issues with local people and local councillors,” the deputy leader of the council said.
“We want our high street to be welcoming for pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, and bus users and we want it to be buzzing for businesses and for visitors, so we have to find the right balance and that is what the masterplan is aiming to do.”
'Colchester won't be like Chelmsford or Southend'
The leader of the council, David King, insisted it is “unlikely” Colchester High Street will become a carbon copy of the extensive car-free areas of Essex’s other city centres in Southend and Chelmsford.
“This is not anti-car,” he said. “We’re trying to make High Street somewhere with less unnecessary vehicle use and a road which is more pleasant to cross or walk in.”
Shoppers have been left divided over the future of High Street, with Colchester resident Jane Wilson supporting a “more pedestrian-friendly city centre”.
Joanne Marchington, however, suggested the introduction of short-term parking bays in High Street “so people can pop to a shop without paying for parking and making it a big expedition”.
“This might encourage people to shop local rather than going online or to retail parks,” she said.
Amendments to the 92-page masterplan document are set to be debated by members of the council’s local plan committee at a meeting on Monday.
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