PEDESTRIANISATION and improved public transport will be at the heart of a new bid for government funding to improve St Albans city centre.
Working in collaboration, Hertfordshire County Council and St Albans District Council will bid jointly for government cash to enhance and improve the city centre.
Councillor Malcolm MacMillan, cabinet portfolio holder for transport, development and enterprise, said: "The county and district councils are in close accord that the city of St Albans needs to be enhanced. It will be a major piece of work that will need the co-operation of both authorities with the will to take a comprehensive approach."
The new plan will look at pedestrianising large swathes of St Peter's Street, most notably the service road outside McDonald's, BHS and Marks and Spencer.
The existing traffic-free area, from Market Place to the Clock Tower will be monitored, while planners consider other opportunities to make the centre more pedestrian-friendly.
There will also be a review of existing public transport with proposals for better links with outer St Albans and the villages.
Councillor MacMillan's hopes of winning cross-party support for the plans appear to be well-founded.
Councillor John Newman has given his backing, saying: "I am very much in favour of beautifying the town centre through pedestrianisation and I suspect the idea would receive broad support."
The district council is optimistic that its transport plan can be shaped and agreed with county in time for the budget making process in 2002/3. Public consultation will get underway soon.
October 26, 2001 15:19
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