Pedestrianising town's main street mooted
GoogleA survey is being launched to gauge views on pedestrianising Great Malvern's main shopping street.
Conservatives in the town believe making the changes to Church Street during opening hours would increase footfall and stem a decline that many high streets have been suffering from.
They said it would also improve road safety, echoing a Labour councillor's complaint that lorries were causing crashes and damage to buildings.
Conservative candidate Sebastian Barbour said his party wanted residents' thoughts on the idea.
There has been growing concern for the safety of pedestrians in Malvern following a number of crashes and near-misses.
Although speed limits had been reduced in parts of the area, independent councillor Beverley Nielsen said the issue in Malvern was causing "great concern" among residents.
Mr Barbour said the survey would gather views from people across Malvern.
"We understand that there will be plenty of opinions locally, and our survey aims to make sure that we hear the thoughts of those who want to contribute to our plan," he said.
"Supporting our local businesses and attracting investment is key to our plan for Malvern.
"We believe that pedestrianising Church Street is a key example of that, making our high street a much more attractive place to visit by being able to safely walk along without the worry of busy traffic going up and down the steep hill."
Worcestershire County Council elections are scheduled to take place in May but could be postponed if the county is given permission by the government to fast-track plans for a unitary authority.
This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.
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