Pedestrianisation scheme scrapped after traders object

TRADERS in a Staffordshire town have won their battle to prevent a major street from being closed off to vehicles.

Enforcement signs have been removed from The Strand in Longton to allow cars to use the street.

The decision by Stoke-on-Trent City Council follows a review of the trial which showed the traffic-free scheme was not viable.

Businesses in the area had opposed the move because they felt it would lead to a loss of trade from shoppers heading elsewhere.

Cllr Adrian Knapper, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for transport and planning, said: “The changes in Longton were always on a trial basis so it is important that we listen to the concerns and feedback we are receiving from the people on the ground.

“Pedestrianisation is widely recognised as having been extremely beneficial to other towns and original surveys indicated people were in support of seeing whether this would also work here in Longton.

“Going forward we would like to continue to work with the traders and businesses to find a solution to the problems posed by traffic congestion in The Strand.”

The partial pedestrianisation trial had started in April and saw all vehicles except buses diverted away from The Strand between 10am and 4pm. The original proposals were adapted following a consultation with traders.

The proposals were designed to ease traffic congestion along The Strand and a survey originally found 70% support for the pedestrianisation scheme.

Cllr Ruth Rosenau, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Longton is a town with an abundance of history. Work is already underway to refurbish the market hall and other key historic buildings.

“Weeks matter to businesses so we cannot ignore the strength of feeling towards this scheme.”