By Maria Zaccaro, Local Democracy Reporter
As the city council reopens Bedford Place to traffic, a petition asking for city leaders to keep it closed to vehicles is set to be presented to councillors on Wednesday.(July 21)
The petition, signed by, 1,510 people, reads:
“Please don’t open up Bedford Place to vehicular traffic. Maintain this as a safe area for pedestrians, cyclists and residents with disabilities to enjoy local bars, clubs and restaurants. This was originally a Labour council initiative but was not strictly political. Supported by central government funding and the full range of Southampton local residents across the political spectrum. The opening up of the space for outdoor use for everyone has been hugely beneficial during the pandemic. The continued use will provide some health security for the new normal.”
The trial in Bedford Place proved controversial. Some residents welcomed the road closures but some local businesses said it hit trade and asked the council to reopen Bedford Place to traffic.
Labour councillors who implemented the scheme before losing control of the council in this year’s elections said the decision to reopen the road “flies in the face of government ambitions for more cafe culture”.
‘Backward step’
Bargate Cllr Sarah Bogle, opposition spokesperson for growth, said: “This is such a backward step. The scheme is being cut off just as we will start to see more people coming here, especially as we get into summer. It’s a missed opportunity, and a sign of Conservative councillors having made their mind up from day one that Bedford Place should prioritise vehicles not people.”
‘Damaging businesses’
Cllr Jeremy Moulton, deputy leader and cabinet member for growth, said the desire for a cafe culture in the area will be taken in to account as part of future plans for the area.
He added: “We didn’t come in with a pre-determined view but we came in recognising there was concern about the closure of the road. We consulted and the consultation revealed that the majority of businesses wanted it open because it was damaging businesses.”
Earlier this month Cllr Moulton said the new administration did not feel “it was responsible to ignore the majority of views from the business community”.
The petition is due to be presented to a full Southampton City Council meeting scheduled for 2pm
This article is from the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Some alterations and additions may have been made by our site - a partner in the BBC's Local News Partnerships scheme. BBC-funded LDRS journalists cover local authorities and public service organisations, with content shared by all partners.