Consultation on popular street’s future

CONSULTANTS are to develop proposals which could result in Swansea’s Wind Street being closed to traffic.

A rearranged drop-in session is taking place on Wind Street on Wednesday, September 12, where people can find out more. Nothing has been decided as yet, but the pedestrianisation idea is not new. Swansea Council surveyed businesses and residents in and around Wind Street two years ago and the response was largely in favour in keeping traffic out, despite the completion of only 50 of the 284 questionnaires which were delivered.

Business group Swansea Bid also asked traders for their views.

A new consultation was launched by the council in February, with Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, saying: “Proposals to make the street a pedestrian route only could provide opportunities for businesses and help create a destination that is equally as popular in the day.” Wind Street has a vibrant nightlife which attracts thousands of people each week. The road is closed to traffic on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Swansea Bid and the council are paying consultants £20,000 to turn ideas from previous consultations into firm proposals. Options would then be published on the council’s website, inviting further feedback. The council will discuss the latest developments on August 16.