Concerns over pedestrian plans

4:33pm Friday 7th September 2007

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WHILE I applaud the efforts of Preston City Council to pedestrianise more of the city centre, plans to close major routes are causing concern in the business community.

A modern city needs to be an environment where those who shop and work in the area can feel safe, and removing cars is a huge part of this.

But pedestrianisation must be done properly.

I am being told that the current scheme being considered would see the busy junction at Chapel Street and Friargate being closed at peak times - either with automatic bollards or gates.

The ultimate aim would be to close the road to traffic at peak times.

However, this street is not simply the rat-run that some are claiming.

Instead it is one of the only routes into the city centre.

Closing the street would mean that to drive into the heart of Preston's business district - which is what Winckley Square is with its high proportions of professional services - would be nigh on impossible.

I would estimate that hundreds if not thousands of people work within walking distance of the square. Some arrive in this area by park and ride of course, which is to be applauded.

But many more use the council's own Avenham car park, or are lucky enough to have a business with its own parking.

And all these people either enter the city centre from London Road via the Cross Street area, or from Ringway and onto Lune Street and Chapel Street.

Closing one of these routes will immediately cause chaos on the other.

I would urge any local businesses with concerns to contact the local authority and take part in the consultation being carried out.