Plans for Stroud centre scrutinised

10:00am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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BLUEPRINTS for the future of Stroud town centre went under public scrutiny in the Sub Rooms on Thursday.

The Stroud Public Realm Strategy aims to better manage traffic to encourage more people to explore the town and stay longer in local businesses.

Caroline White, Stroud District Council's development surveyor, said: "The aim of this consultation is to see if we've got the priorities right.

"We need people to tell us whether we're right or not, because it's their town and they need to comment on what could happen to it."

A key proposal is to reinstate two-way traffic in Russell Street and London Road.

"A two-way connection will enhance the east-west connection," she explained.

"It will also allow people access to the car park in London Road."

Another proposal is to restrict access in the historic centre to all vehicles, except blue badge holders, buses, taxis and delivery vehicles.

"The balance on these key streets in very traffic-heavy," she explained.

"People don't go up as far as the top end of the High Street.

"As as a result they might not see the Shambles and they might not see the farmers' market."

Chris Farmer, 57, of Lansdown , Stroud, said: "I'm quite impressed with the plans.

"I think pedestrianising the streets will stop boy racers in the area.

"But I don't want it to be all about the shopping - people don't come to Stroud just to shop."

More details of the plans and public feedback forms are available on www.stroud.gov.uk.

The consultation period ends on Thursday, May 22.