ENVIRONMENT has been accused of putting up barriers against small businesses with its traffic plans for Church Square. The department yesterday released its latest suggestions, giving people a week to respond.
They include removing four parking spaces and restricting unloading times in some of the bays.
Paper Box owner Phillip Morgan questioned the moves.
‘They really haven’t thought about the traders,’ he said.
‘From my perspective, and every trader in the lower end of Town, it’s the ability for people to stop and pop in that makes our business.’
He added when the square closed for special occasions, the shop lost about 20% of its business.
Mr Morgan was concerned about deliveries, especially the proposed restrictions on some of the unloading bays.
The ones outside Soundtrack would be maintained under the department’s proposals.
‘When the Environment minister ‘David De Lisle’ asked last week why there were so few sole traders, it’s because they keep putting up barriers like this that prevent sole traders working effectively.’
Mr Morgan also felt the plans went against Continental thinking on traffic planning, where some places were allowing cars and pedestrians to share spaces rather then separate them.
He added that some supermarket car parks were more dangerous than Church Square.
Environment’s plans went on display in the Guille-Alles Library yesterday.
They also show its proposals for the area around the Markets.
It intends to install two zebra crossings in Fountain Street, removing the one outside Creasey’s Bordage premises.
That was welcomed by Shine owner Susann Hatcher.
‘I’m pleased they’re bringing the zebra crossings back,’ she said. ‘At the moment, with people crossing the road, it’s an accident waiting to happen.’
She supported pedestrianising the whole road, but added that it would never happen.
St Peter Port senior constable Jenny Tasker said the constables had written to Environment with their concerns before, but some of these had not been taken on board.
‘We will have to be further involved again,’ she said.
‘We’re disappointed the taxi rank is remaining where it is and with some of the unloading remaining untimed.’
Town Centre Partnership chairman Jack Honeybill was more supportive.
Among Environment’s plans are the closure of Market Street and Market Square to vehicles apart from between 1am and 9am for deliveries.
There would also be a disabled bay for permit holders using the Guille-Alles Library.
‘I’m very keen to support alfresco throughout Town.
‘That provides performance areas and the partnership is very interested in providing entertainment throughout the visitor season,’ he said.
Consultation on the plans ends on Tuesday.
Any responses should be sent to the Environment minister.
Article posted on 31st May, 2007 - 12.00am
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