THE CONTROVERSIAL red and white walls in Petersfield town centre and the bus gate in The Square are to go as soon as possible after June 21 – if the final pandemic restrictions are lifted that day.
The walls were put up by Hampshire County Council to provide more space so pedestrians could obey the ‘two-metre’ apart rule – but they became the cause of simmering anger for many residents.
And the so-called bus gate outside the Square Brewery pub that was meant to close the road to all traffic except bikes and buses is now often ignored, with many motorists driving through the slight chicane.
Hampshire County Council member for Petersfield Butser division Rob Mocatta said: “It will all go as soon after June 21 as it can - providing all the restrictions are lifted.
“A number of towns as well as Petersfield have them, and the order in which they will be taken down hasn’t been set yet – but all things being equal it will be very soon after June 21.”
But the council is committed to creating better spaces for people in our town centres and secured about £2.5m of government cash to help introduce active travel schemes and reduce car emissions.
Cllr Mocatta said: “In mid July the council will have the results of the Petersfield roads survey and will start looking at long-term and permanent plans for active travel schemes in the town centre.
“Parking in the High Street and Square could be reduced, with parking bays shut off from cars with flower planters.
“And the need for disabled people and delivery trucks to access the town centre roads is recognised.
“But what isn’t acceptable is for people to pull up in the street, nip into a shop, come out and drive away.
“People will be encouraged to use the town’s car parks – there are plenty of spaces – and walk the few yards into town.
“But nothing will be decided until after the results of the survey are analysed.
“And then proposals based around the results will be put together, and it’s virtually certain active travel measures in some form will figure in them.”