NEWS RELEASES
East Street and Market Square, Horsham – proposed experimental pedestrianisation
16th May 2007
LOCAL traders, the public and other interested parties are being asked to comment on proposals by Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council for the experimental pedestrianisation of Horsham’s East Street and Market Square.
They are being asked to comment on the proposal that East Street and Market Square be pedestrianised Mondays to Saturdays (inclusive) initially on an experimental basis, for four or six hours a day (either 10am to 4pm or 11am to 3pm).
The scheme would make East Street and Market Square a traffic free environment during core time shopping hours with access for emergency vehicles only.
Access to designated on-street parking areas would be maintained for deliveries and service vehicles outside the core times but would be prohibited during them.
The proposed scheme would also mean that cyclists would be asked to dismount their bicycles during core times whilst in East Street.
Because the proposed scheme is experimental, only minimal works would be possible in the road itself with provision of some new seating areas, planting and street furniture.
Comprehensive works, including a new shared surface, could be introduced later if the experimental scheme is successful.
Speaking of the proposal, Chris Carey, Head of Property and Economic Development at Horsham District Council, said:
“We have been in discussions about improving East Street as a shopping area for some time and we now intend to try a experimental pedestrianisation of the area which is proposed to last for a full trading year of twelve months.
“In that time we will be able to assess the likely impact on trade in the area and if priority to the pedestrian has been a success.
“As part of the experimental process, a reference group would be set up representing the various interests to advise and consult on the details of the final proposals.”
Following the current round of consultations, the County Council is required to seek approval from the North Horsham County Local Committee before the experimental scheme could be introduced.
During the first six months of such a scheme anyone will be able to comment or object on how the proposals are working and these views will be reported back to the Committee before it decides whether or not to make the experimental scheme permanent.
Funding for the trial scheme would come jointly from Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council.
Comments on the proposals should be made by 8 June 2007 to Chris Carey, Head of Property & Economic Development at Horsham District Council, Park North, North Street, Horsham RH12 1RL (email: chris.carey@horsham.gov.uk).
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk