Beverley Market pedestrianised in council scheme
MOVE SUPPORTED BY LOCAL BUSINESSES IN TOWN CENTRE
EAST Riding Council is launching a pedestrianisation scheme in part of Beverley’s Saturday Market.
The trial, which follows positive feedback from consultation undertaken in summer 2020, will see the area between The Grapes pub and the King’s Head become pedestrian-only to create an area where people can socially distance, as well as providing opportunity for outdoor seating areas.
The project also aims to create a “safer space” by providing an area free of traffic and encourage more active travel on foot or by bike to Beverley’s town centre.
The council engaged with businesses and local stakeholders on the initial proposal last summer to consider their thoughts on the proposed 18-month trial.
Claire Hoskins, the strategic infrastructure group manager at East Riding Council, said: “Following positive feedback from the consultation, the council successfully bid for funding for the proposed scheme from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund Tranche 2.
“This has enabled us to complete the detailed design, carry out further stakeholder consultation and complete the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the trial.
“Of more than 30 businesses consulted on the project, 96 per cent of respondents thought it was a good idea to increase space for pedestrians in the town centre, and 93 per cent of respondents supported the scheme in principle.”
In addition, local ward members support the scheme and the potential for a more diverse use of the area in future.
Local business groups also expressed support for the scheme, saying they agreed to a long-term aim to make the area more pedestrian-friendly and expressing a desire for a more flexible use of the space, with opportunities for pop-ups, events and other uses to encourage increased footfall.
Beverley Town Council and Beverley Civic Society also welcomed the scheme.
The experimental TRO allows the council, after the first six months of the trial, to consider amending or removing the scheme at any time or make the scheme permanent after 18 months, depending on the level of support received.
Access will remain open for vehicles to Ladygate and to the nearby taxi ranks. The market on Saturdays is unaffected by the trial and will go ahead as usual. Adjacent businesses can apply for outdoor seating areas as part of the trial.
The disabled bays and loading bays affected by the scheme have been relocated close by. Cycle access will be retained through the area to Dog and Duck Lane and Ladygate and additional cycle parking is also being provided in the area to support active travel.
Works to set out the new pedestrian area will take place this week under a localised road closure to ensure the safety of the public and workforce.
During the road closure, access will be permitted for emergency services, residents and deliveries.
The new pedestrian area between The Grapes pub and the King’s Head will be formed using spaced-out planters to prevent vehicle access, but allow ample room for pedestrians and cyclists.
Residents and businesses in the Saturday Market area directly affected by the scheme will be sent details of an online questionnaire to give their feedback after the first three months of the trial.
The public will have the opportunity to comment throughout the trial through the TRO process and details can be viewed on notices erected on-street, in the Hull Daily Mail and on the council’s website. also