The temporary COVID-19 safety scheme in Stratford-upon-Avon, implemented by Warwickshire County Council in response to the easing of lockdown restrictions and the opening up of non-essential retail has been running since mid- June. These measures were designed to be temporary and it was always the intention of the key stakeholders, Warwickshire County Council, Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council and Stratforward BID to review the operation of the measures in light of feedback from residents, businesses and visitors. Indeed there have already been revisions to the scheme.
A further review of the scheme took place on Thursday 23 July, which incorporated the views of Stratfordward BID which has been lobbying for the business community throughout and a petition from local businesses within the town and considered feedback at a street by street level that shows a significant refinement of the scheme can be achieved that meets the needs of residents, business and visitors.
The key revisions are:
- Bridge Street
Re-introduce two way traffic, reinstate some on street parking and a bus stop on M&S side plus a new informal crossing point between Sainsbury's and M&S. Wider pavements will be retained on both sides of the road. Red and white barrier to be removed. Cycle lane to be removed along with bollards on approach from bridge.
- High Street
Remove all barriers and introduced a timed road closure between 11am and 6pm, 7 days per week controlled by manned barriers at each end of High Street. Outside of closure times parking to be reinstated.
- Sheep Street, Wood Street, Greenhill Street and Chapel Street
All barrier measures to be removed.
Time is of the essence to implement these changes to make a real difference to residents and businesses during the rest of the summer. Consultation therefore has to be swift and so Stratforward BID will be canvassing businesses over the weekend and County, District and Town Councillors will also be seeking resident's views to enable a decision to be made early on Tuesday 28 July.
Cllr Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council says: "We have always said that we would 'Act & Adapt' with these road changes, and we have been actively listening to the views of residents, businesses and stakeholders. We recognise the desire and need to undertake further changes and through this open dialogue, we hope to secure agreement to an amended scheme that addresses the concerns and issues that have been raised."
Cllr Daren Pemberton, Deputy Leader Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: "The COVID-19 safety measures allowed the town and retail to open up safely, but everyone agrees that some aspects do not work and need changing. These proposed changes reflect the feedback at a street by street level on improvements that have been fed into Warwickshire Highways for evaluation during the review meeting yesterday."
Councillor Pemberton went on to say: "These significant changes address the legitimate concerns of residents and businesses while keeping every user of the town COVID safe."
Cllr Kevin Taylor, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council says: "Stratford Town has been in discussion with our partner authorities at District and County level and via the BID throughout and fully endorses the proposed updates to the COVID-19 safety measures in the town."
