Rickmansworth’s contentious High Street closures are set to continue for another 18 months, Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) has confirmed.
The closure of the town’s key shopping street is as maligned by some as is appreciated by others. Traffic and parking restrictions were first introduced in the High Street by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC), in cooperation with TRDC, in 2020 to support social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the two authorities have agreed to continue the measures for a further 18 months, to be reviewed after the first six.
The hope is that by restricting traffic, the town centre can remain more pedestrian-friendly.
Councillor Paul Rainbow, TRDC’s lead member for transport, said: “We have been hearing the views of local residents and businesses, and we know there really is a mix for and against continuing the trial, but no significant highway access or safety issues were raised that would affect the introduction of HCC’s proposed experimental order. Some amendments have been made to the proposals based on the feedback we received.”
Rickmansworth News continued to find largely contrasting views after speaking to residents about the topic.
One resident said: “The trial they are running is utter nonsense. What is their marker of success for this trial? There isn’t one. It ticks a box on a spreadsheet as being seen to engage in the voice of the community.”
The resident also alleged that she saw an instance where emergency services were impeded due to the closures.
She added: “What is more important than the health of this community? If ambulances cannot reach patients in a 999 situation, due to the High Street barriers, the community is at risk.”
However, another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, is glad to see the pedestrian-friendly zone continue.
They said: “We behave in a different way since the pandemic. We use online so much; it’s far better to have it [the High Street] pedestrianised, where people can walk through, sit and have a coffee, and get lunch.”
What are your thoughts on the road closures? Get in touch at newsbase@mynewsmag.co.uk
You can also take part in HCC’s consultation here.
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