ONE-WAY U-TURN
Traders welcome changes to controversial pedestrianisation scheme after council reverses earlier plans in reaction to public petition
CONTROVERSIAL restrictions which saw vehicles banned from a Whitley Bay street have been almost completely reversed following a backlash from the public.
Park View was turned into a pedestrian zone as part of measures designed to ensure people can travel around the borough safely.
The changes were met with anger from the street’s traders when they were rolled out last Wednesday.
Now, after an outcry from residents and traders, the street will be reopened to traffic in both directions Sunday to Friday, and parking will also be permitted.
However, the street will still be closed off to vehicles on Saturdays.
The changes, which start from Monday, were welcomed by business people in Park View, who say they are happy with the compromise.
Michael Reay, owner of Cottage Kitchen, said: “I think it is a step in the right direction.
“I had the councillors down the other day and they are really nice people and they were trying to keep everybody happy.
“Central Government told them what they had to do and they acted on that, they realised it was causing unrest in the street and I feel like they listened to us and gave us some leeway. I’m feeling more optimistic, it is a step in the right direction, I’m happy about it.”
Megan Balloch, owner of the 129 Coffee Shop, also welcomed the changes.
She said: “I think this is a really good compromise. I think it will really help business during the week and making outside clear on Saturday will bring different people to the street. I’m pleased.”
This was echoed by Gail Hannah, owner of antique shop The Owl and The Pussycat.
She said: “I think it’s a good compromise. I think this will work for everyone. I think the whole situation could have been handled better but I think it is a good compromise.”
Nicola Strasser, of Anne Thomas Work Wear, added: “I think it is a great happy medium for people. I’m really pleased they listened to businesses and residents.”
Coun Carl Johnson, North Tyneside Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said that the changes came as a result of feedback from the public.
He said: “This week we have continued to monitor feedback to the scheme in Park View and will be making some adjustments to the pedestrian zone, from Monday.
“This means reinstating two-way traffic and on-street parking from Sunday to Friday, and closing the road to all traffic on the busiest day, Saturday. These changes were decided at a meeting on Friday.
“The reason for these changes was the public health of our residents, to allow for social distancing. Having looked at the number of people visiting Park View on weekdays we believe it is the right thing to do to only have these measures in place on a Saturday.
“We’re working really hard to balance the needs of everyone and are listening to what people are telling us and will continue to do so. Thanks for all the valuable feedback so far and we’ll keep updating everyone as things evolve.”
This isn’t the only change made to traffic restrictions in the borough, with Wallsend High Street also reopened to cars.
Initially High Street West was turned into a pedestrian zone, but this will be removed and two-way traffic reinstated from Friday.
However, the footpath will be widened on the southern side of the road by Subway and KFC to create more safe space.
From Friday, the North Shields Fish Quay pedestrian zone will be extended further along to Dodgin’s Yard and the Quay Tap House.
Coun Carl Johnson added: “We’re continuing to listen to what people are telling us about the measures we’ve introduced to create more space to keep people safe and allow them to social distance, and to support businesses by giving shoppers in our centres and visitors to our fantastic coastline the confidence to return to busy places.
“From today (Friday) the Fish Quay pedestrian zone has been extended further along to Dodgin’s Yard and the Quay Tap House. This is what the majority of people and businesses there have told us they want to see.
“In addition, the pedestrian zone in Wallsend town centre has been removed in response to feedback and two-way traffic reinstated, while the footpath has been widened on the side of the road by Subway and KFC to create more safe space.
“We’ve also put in additional markings and signage along the whole of the coastal strip cycle lane to make it easier and clearer for cyclists to navigate their way along.”
The southbound carriageway of the road along the coast between Whitley Bay and Tynemouth was turned into a two-way cycle route to allow the promenade to be used solely by people walking.
The council took to Twitter on Monday afternoon to announce that it will be reinstating two-way traffic on a short stretch of road outside Spanish City.