Work to widen pavement in High Street is approved

TOWN councillors have voted in favour of proposals to widen part of Hungerford High Street.

At an online meeting of the council’s highways and transport committee was a proposal to widen the pavement on the east side.

Committee chairman Rob Chicken said: “I’ve spoken to shopkeepers in that area.

Inklings is in favour. The takeaway up the hill is very much in favour and it might help people in wheelchairs, but another shop is dead against it.”

Town mayor Helen Simpson described the proposal as a “Marmite issue” which would divide opinion.

She said: “Some people will say we can’t afford to lose more parking; however there’s also a health and safety issue.

“It’s a considerably tight corner coming out of Tesco, with large deliveries lorries coming out. We wouldn’t lose many [parking spaces] – just three. I think it would be a good idea.”

Town clerk Claire Barnes said West Berkshire Council, as the highways authority with ultimate decision-making power, was sceptical of the idea, but Mrs Simpson suggested Hungerford residents were better placed to decide the merits of the issue.

Deputy mayor Keith Knight said: “I would support it. But it might involve five [parking] spaces. That’s still a small percentage of spaces in the town. The pavement is quite narrow there.”

Committee members stressed that, if the plan was adopted, local businesses should not view it as an opportunity to place tables and chairs outside their premises.

The committee voted to support extending the pavement from the Tesco egress to provide a wider walk space for pedestrian convenience.