The community is divided over the continued closure of Rickmansworth High Street to traffic.
While several residents say the closure is welcome news for pedestrians, some shopkeepers argue that the decision has led to a major drop in footfall.
Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) and Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) initially banned traffic from the road in August 2020 to create more space to encourage social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several business owners who spoke to RICKYnews are far from pleased with the initiative.
Faruk Ozer, who runs Rickmansworth Fruit & Veg, said that businesses on the road have lost up to half their customers due to the decrease in footfall.
He said: “The issues I am having is because of the High Street being closed to traffic. I don’t get enough customers because there is no parking. People complain that they can’t walk to the car park with shopping bags, so they go elsewhere.
“I did email the council, but they don’t seem to be bothered. I’m now thinking of closing the business.”
Another shop owner, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that due to the closure and the resulting decrease in customers, it is unlikely her shop would be able to remain on the High Street.On the other side of things, some residents have approved of the policy.
Les Mead said: “Anything that makes our air cleaner is welcome news. My wife has a breathing disease, and vehicle-free high streets improve her life.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I’d like to keep the road closed, but is there a way we could allow the buses to return? It’s unfair on many elderly or disabled residents otherwise.”
A spokesperson for HCC said: “We’re going to be making some changes to the road closure arrangements following feedback.
“We will trial these new arrangements from March for six to 18 months with an ongoing opportunity for people to let us know how it’s going.
“A majority of people who responded to our consultations in 2021 and 2022 supported the continuing closure of the High Street, but we are conscious that there are a lot of issues to balance.”
A TRDC spokesperson said: “TRDC is working closely with HCC on road closure arrangements to ensure the views and needs of local residents and businesses are at the heart any future decisions.”
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