WITH plans to improve Queen Street in Newton Abbot for pedestrians having been given the green light, Newton Abbot Town Development manager, Sally Henley, gives her views on the project.

Sally said: ‘It appeared from the consultation findings that, of those who responded, there were an equal number of those supporting it, compared with those who did not – difficult decision therefore for councillors to make.

‘We have been made aware of the escalating budgetary challenges and so one imagines that each element of the scheme, if it goes ahead, will be scrutinised.

‘We have already seen the scheme reduced in scope and so it is vital that this does not become merely a scheme which delivers an engineering solution – this would be a devastating blow for Queen Street.

‘The retention of the new greening and seating elements is key, as these are elements where overwhelming support has been demonstrated.

‘The loss of parking is a concern however and the consultation clearly showed that the removal of the parking is not well supported.

‘As I write this, it is early evening, and I am I sitting in one of the eateries in Queen Street.

‘There is a lovely buzz in the air as people arrive for supper and both sides of the road are being used for parking.

‘I watch one car park up, and see a gentleman on two sticks, and a lady in a wheelchair, being helped from a car by their son.

‘They then make their way as a family, into an adjacent restaurant; I am conscious that they will not be able to do this when the scheme is implemented and cannot help but feel that it is very sad, that those who have disabilities and infirmities may not be able to access these town amenities in the future.

‘A loss for the community and a loss for business.

‘I have been in constant communication with businesses regarding these proposals over the past two years and provided updates, including during periods of lockdown, trying to locate business owners and give them information, when their business may have been closed.

‘I also popped in to see those deemed as ‘essential’ businesses, which remained open.

‘It was noted that business response has been poor, but businesses have had a great deal to contend with as we come out of the pandemic and the reality is that rightly or wrongly, this consultation may not have been a top priority.

‘I understand, now that councillors have decided to forge ahead, that there will still be an opportunity to respond at the next level of the consultation, when the Traffic Regulation Orders are posted by DCC and I will bring this too, to the attention of the business community.’