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Buses return to the resort piazza area
TOWN centre bosses today backed the return of vehicles to Blackpool's new-look St John's Square.
The spectacular paved area, which has undergone a complete 4.7m revamp, has re-opened to buses and taxis.
There had been fears pedestrians and vehicles sharing the same area would not work.
But initial reports appear positive.
Warwick Tunnicliffe, chairman of the St John's Traders Association, said: "It's early days and it's very difficult to come up with a firm position.
"But, for my two pennorth, buses being able to bring people to and from the town centre are essential.
"During our meetings with councillors and council officials we've been assured that shared space piazzas, which are in place all over Europe, are perfectly safe.
"They have made a very good job of the square and, hopefully, as long as people are aware of the situation and drivers drive carefully, it should be OK."
There is no "traditional" laned road layout in the square which, it has been claimed, could cause confusion and danger.
Bar owner and borough councillor Robert Wynne said local businesses felt it was vital to get buses back to bring people to the area.
He said: "At meetings of the traders' association I know many people were very keen to get buses back in here. They bring a lot of people and passing trade in. But it's a dilemma, things aren't perfect and it's a case of needing drivers to go very slowly."
Jeweller Stephen Lefton added: "It's been very difficult without buses and it's not just good for shopkeepers but also for the non-driving people of the town.
"How would people get into the town square? We believe the safety situation should be monitored but for the most part taxis and buses have been driving very safely and very properly so far."
On the street, locals also seemed to be milling around the piazza area without incident, despite one or two wandering in front of vehicles, none of which exceeded around 10mph.
The majority of people questioned were supportive of the new-look square.
John Hartley, 37, from Grantham Road in North Shore said: "I think buses coming back through St John's Square seems madness, like an accident waiting to happen.
Debbie Langley, 26, from Toronto Avenue in Bispham added: "I suppose having the buses and the taxi's coming through again will help the town centre businesses who have been affected by access being restricted.
"It will probably help get traffic flowing through the town better too.
But one resident was not happy. Pensioner Jessie Joyce from Argosy Avenue, Grange Park, said: "It's a waste of money the whole thing – and it looks dangerous."
The revamp of the square which included the introduction of a new 500,000 statue –- The Wave – as a central feature, was finally completed last month.
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Weather for Blackpool
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
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Wind direction: East
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