THE DESIGN IS NOT UNUSUAL, SAYS THE BOROUGH COUNCIL

THE Bedford Square Gateway project revamped Ward’s End, Devonshire Square and Bedford Square, to make them more attractive to visitors. The council says the area has been improved with high-quality paving and wider pavements.

Ward’s End and Devonshire Square was opened to drivers on

April 29, with minor works to carry on in the coming weeks including the replacement of temporary tactile paving. The £3.8 million regeneration scheme was originally expected to cost £1.78 million.

A Charnwood Borough Council spokesman said: “We have received several reports of trips and falls in the Ward’s End area in

Loughborough. Therefore, we have installed some temporary signage as a precautionary measure.

“The Bedford Square Gateway Scheme has been designed by independent specialist design engineers. The design is not unusual and similar to other areas in Loughborough.

“The scheme has been subject to two road safety audits so far and the audits have not identified any accessibility issues.

“We are making further enquiries with the scheme designers and reviewing accessibility. Further road safety audits are already planned in as part of the schemes finalisation.

“The Bedford Square Gateway Scheme has been carried out to make this part of Loughborough town centre a more attractive place to visit which will help drive footfall and support local businesses. The main phase of the scheme in Ward’s End, Devonshire Square and the northern part of Bedford Square is largely complete. The remaining phase in Bedford Square south is continuing.”