Bridport’s South Street temporary closure may become permanent (From Dorset Echo)

Bridport’s South Street temporary closure may become permanent

3:00pm Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News

TRAFFIC-FREE: Gas works close Bridport’s South Street

Bridport’s South Street could become a traffic-free haven for pedestrians.

The idea has been raised after the temporary closure of the road for the mammoth gasworks project before Christmas, which left the area near Bucky Doo Square effectively pedestrianised.

And veteran town and district councillor David Tett is calling for an extensive consultation exercise to be carried out to see what people in the town want.

He said: “The recent temporary closure of South Street for the laying of a new gas main has shown beyond doubt that traffic through the town has moved more freely with less town centre congestion and hold- ups.

“The town council consulted extensively in 2000 to 2001 and had a clear mandate to trial a temporary closure of the top half of South Street to vehicles, other than delivery vehicles and emergency services.

“Two thirds of the respondents including those living in neighbouring towns and villages who shop in Bridport, favoured and supported this move.”

He added: “With closing off of this part of South Street from Folly Mill Lane and Gundry Lane to the Town Hall, greater use can be made of Bucky Doo Square, particularly on market days by stallholders and musical and other entertainment.

“This can bring yet more people, both residents, visitors and tourists into the town and thereby stimulate its economy.

“Obviously, another consultation will be needed to be carried out. But it need be an extensive one, and the needs and views of the public taken note of this time round.”

The Bridport Business chamber is also asking traders all across the town for their views on how closure or pedestrianisation of the area could affect their businesses, via the website bridportbusiness.org.uk