Traders lock horns on pedestrianisation plan in Cottingham
TRADERS are discussing the piazza-style pedestrianisation of a central street in a bid to bring more shoppers in to the heart of Cottingham.
At a meeting last night, members of the Cottingham Traders' Association considered keeping cars off Hallgate.
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BID TO ATTRACT VISITORS: Discussions are ongoing about the possible pedestrianisation of Hallgate in Cottingham. Picture: Simon Renilson
While some shopkeepers believe the move would boost footfall, others are concerned a lack of parking spaces would drive away customers.
Councillor Helen Green said she would like to see a piazza, perhaps similar to the pedestrian-only centre of Beverley.
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Cllr Green, who represents Cottingham South ward, said: "I was at a traders' meeting and nobody was strongly opposed to the idea.
"It's an opportunity for East Riding Council to come along and tell us about possible plans and ideas.
"Anything that can increase footfall in Cottingham can only be beneficial for traders."
James Harris, chairman of the traders' association, also thought pedestrianisation should be considered.
He said: "I believe it is an idea worth discussing.
"There are positives that could come out of it.
"It's something we need to look carefully at and see what people's feelings are."
Since planning permission was granted for a new supermarket in Station Road, business owners have been discussing how best to showcase the village.
The 37,000sq ft store split opinion and has now led to a group of shopkeepers leaving the traders' association to form their own group, the Cottingham Enterprise Guild.
Their chairman Mike Harness opposes pedestrianisation.
He is concerned the loss of spaces in Hallgate would add to the village's chronic lack of parking.
Mr Harness said: "If the supermarket does get built, it's going to gridlock the centre of Cottingham.
"Pedestrianisation would make it even worse."
Councillor Leena Slater represents Cottingham South. She said: "In principle, I very much support pedestrianisation, provided we do it on a piecemeal basis, so we don't go into it headlong.
"There are an awful lot of things to be looked at.
"I'm for it in principle after we've spoken to the residents and the traders."
The Cottingham Traders' Association has launched a new website. Visit www. cottinghamtraders.co.uk for more information.
5 Comments
by Dandaragan
Friday, February 22 2013, 9:30AM
“Not a good idea, cars and a pedestrian mix is better. Stop parking but allow flow with traffic calming items. Safer at night to have cars going through these areas.”
by lynne59
Thursday, February 21 2013, 10:37AM
“I think it would be a good thing to do it would be easier to get a round the village when people stand near john fords on the corner talking people have to walk on the road to get by also people on scooters will not have to worry about getting run over and mums with prams and young children will also benefit .I say lets go modern and get thinking caps on you cannot live in the dark ages for ever”
by Ren_Tiger
Thursday, February 21 2013, 10:35AM
“I like the idea of a piazza, and I'm sure the parking issue could be resolved with a bit of lateral thinking...
...but whoever green lighted the ludicrous supermarket development, is either in someone's pocket or is in serious need of having their bumps felt. Cottingham doesn't need a superstore, and it will be destroyed by it, no matter how many streets you pedestrianise.”
by JayOnly
Thursday, February 21 2013, 10:04AM
“Those people needing to park cars can use the Morrison's area, off Station Yard, eh?
It won't bring people into Cott because once they park at Station yard, - there's nowhere else - they'll be into Morrisons, do the shopping and get away home...Hallgate will be a ghost street. People like it as it is, a good old healthy hustle and bustle. Once these things are done, they can't be undone.
Forget the councillor's personal wishes.”
by Finbarr
Thursday, February 21 2013, 7:52AM
“They have tried this in Morley, West Yorks. All it did was drive away trade and create an empty "precinct" with just charity shops in it now.”