Reaction to Welwyn garden City pedestrianisation plans mixed
NEWS of the pedestrianisation of a part of WGC town centre has been given a mixed reception from shoppers and traders. Last week, the WHT reported Hertfordshire Highways' works programme for 2009/10 includes the part pedestrianisation of Stonehills. We as
NEWS of the pedestrianisation of a part of WGC town centre has been given a mixed reception from shoppers and traders.
Last week, the WHT reported Hertfordshire Highways' works programme for 2009/10 includes the part pedestrianisation of Stonehills.
We asked passing shoppers and traders what they thought.
Many were concerned at the lack of parking the project would cause, already a widespread problem in the town centre.
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"There's not that many parking spaces here as it is," said Ben Poulter, 17, of Digswell.
"It's hard enough to find a space you don't have to pay a quid for."
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And 18-year old Paul Tomlin, who had parked in Stonehills to buy food, said: "We need more parking, not less.
"If anything, they should make this place bigger."
Pam Edwards, manager of the Isabel Hospice charity shop in Stonehills, said: "People bring in donations and take things away, so we need space for loading and unloading.
"As long as there's access for that, I don't have a problem with it."
Nicola Kane, town centre manager for Welwyn Hatfield Council, said: "This is something that has been discussed several times over the years.
"I have not seen the new proposals, but I can see a scheme like this could be very beneficial.
"All affected businesses would be consulted, but I think there are certainly benefits in opening the area, it could increase footfall.
"I think we should consider all the options, but as an idea I can certainly see the potential."
There was further support for the scheme on the WHT's online poll, where 69 per cent of people thought the area should be pedestrianised.
