Opinion divided over Fleet town centre pedestrianisation
An independent report recommends it should continue for 'further assessment'
The results of an independent consultation with Fleet retailers over the COVID-19 temporary closure of Fleet Road show that those in favour and against are evenly balanced, and a quarter of all businesses interviewed are neutral.
Full council requested last month that further engagement was carried out to assess if the scheme should continue beyond October. Councillors will use the new report, together with traffic monitoring data and residents’ feedback, to decide on the future of the pedestrianisation measures next week.
Of 99 businesses interviewed, 61% of respondents were in favour or did not object to the road closure and 39% wanted the scheme to end.
Rise Associates was appointed to engage with businesses impacted by the scheme through an online survey, telephone interviews and face-to-face.
Those contacted ranged from independents, start-ups and micro businesses to well-known brands, FTSE 100 companies and businesses representing every sector on the high street from services, leisure, hospitality, banking and more. The consultants also spoke to Fleet BID and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.
Those in support of the pedestrianisation scheme cited the business benefits derived from pedestrianisation, an appreciation of the new environment that is being created, a recognition that high streets need to change and a willingness to try something new.
Areas of concern for some businesses were the inconvenience caused by problems associated with deliveries and a frustration that passing traffic wasn’t able to see their shop window.
The report recommends that as there is no clear consensus on the high street pedestrianisation, the scheme should be extended for further assessment. It also advises that any extension should include further investment and incorporate changes to help businesses overcome problems with deliveries.
Councillor Graham Cockarill, Cabinet member for Economic Development at Hart District Council, said:
“This detailed report has given vital feedback from retailers and businesses on how they view the pedestrianisation scheme and its impact on trade and footfall.
“We shall be taking all views and recommendations into account, along with traffic data and the feedback from residents to decide upon the future of the Fleet Road pedestrianisation scheme.
“Our priority remains to ensure the safety of all residents and support the economic recovery of Hart.”
The measures were introduced on 24 August 2020, closing Fleet Road to through traffic between Victoria Road/Upper Street and Church Road. The scheme was set up to ensure social distancing, enhance the visitor experience and support economic recovery in the town centre. It was supported by Hampshire County Council, Fleet Town Council and Fleet BID.