Cleveleys high street set for temporary pedestrianisation to boost social distancing

The temporary measures will be put in place on Victoria Road West between Nutter Road and the promenade, in an attempt to allow for social distancing.

A date for the introduction of the new scheme has not been confirmed yet.

Cleveleys Coastal Community Team (CCCT) has teamed up with Wyre Council to close the road to traffic, to soften any potential economic blows the Covid-19 pandemic could bring.

Jane Littlewood, chairman of CCCT and creator of Visit Fylde Coast, asked for residents' views on the scheme on her website, Visit Cleveleys. She explained that pedestrianising the road would benefit the safety of visitors and traders, by creating more space to walk.

"We first brought this up in May, and now Cleveleys is just too busy to be able to safely socially distance," Jane said.

"We're aware there will be some issues that will need to be resolved, but the good thing about this is that it's temporary. If something doesn't work, it's not permanent."

Some public feedback outlined concerns over the taxi ranks and disabled parking bays being made unavailable on Victoria Road West after the road is closed to traffic.

Gill Ward said: "This could have the opposite effect and discourage people from visiting Cleveleys due to lack of street parking and easy vehicle access."

Shelley Feay said: "I’ve seen many an elderly person struggle with their shopping just to get from Iceland or Home Bargains to the taxi rank outside Costa. The drivers usually see them struggle and walk across the road to assist their passengers over it, and take their shopping trolleys back for them.

"How are those elderly people going to be able to walk even further to Nutter Road?"

Ms Littlewood addressed the concerns put forward so far: "We're not trying to cause trouble for any of the taxi ranks or disabled parking bays on the street, but until there is more space on the street for the amount of visitors we get, it's dangerous," she said.

"There just isn't enough room at the moment. It's a work in progress, and if it doesn't work we have time to re-think it."

Despite initial concerns from some, there was also positive feedback from other Cleveleys residents.

Barry Mills said: "I completely support this. I actually suggested it many years ago to alleviate the congestion during the summer with all the people who visit.

"Now there’s an even more important reason. I regularly find myself having to walk on the road to ensure social distancing at the moment."

Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard welcomed the suggested changes.

Mr Maynard said: "I have been talking about pedestrianisation in Cleveleys with local businesses for some time, and I know many are keen to see this measure, which they believe will be a boost to trade.

"I’ve raised the issue with our local authorities on a number of occasions, up to now without a great deal of success.

"There will always be issues to consider, including access for deliveries and the routing of bus services, but this is an opportunity to test out in practice, something which has been discussed for many years.

"I welcome any measures which will support local businesses and help drive footfall. Alongside VAT cuts, the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme and measures to make local parking more affordable, I hope this will make a real difference."

Wyre Council was contacted for comment.