Shops fear impact of traffic-free high street plan

Some shopkeepers say they could be forced to leave their town if plans to pedestrianise its high street go ahead.

Oxfordshire County Council said the changes would create more space for markets, events, improved bus stops and public seating in Wantage Market Place.

But some residents and business owners fear the loss of parking and restrictions on delivery times could harm trade.

Under the proposals, which could be introduced as early as 2027, about 20 short-stay parking spaces, including disabled bays, would be removed and deliveries limited to between midnight and 09:00.

Councillor Gareth Epps, cabinet member for transport, said it was "essential we get this right".

"I want to listen to the feedback we get before designs are further developed," he said.

"We want to invest in the Market Place to make it accessible but there's clearly a lively debate going on."

Resident Pam Clark, who has lived in Wantage for 66 years and is disabled, said losing parking would deter her from visiting the town centre.

"I think it would be a disaster, we need parking near the shops," she said.

"We have plenty of green spaces, we don't need this."

Martin Gillott, who runs the Wantage Motorist Centre, said the delivery restrictions were "impractical" and would make it difficult to operate because suppliers could not guarantee deliveries within the proposed time window.

"For me, they leave Reading at 9am so they can't be at my shop for 9am," he said.

"It would mean I would have to close or go somewhere else…there would be no other choice."

Richard Shepherd, president of Wantage Chamber of Commerce, said four businesses had told him they may leave the town if the plans proceed.

"It could be the last straw - businesses are already facing lots of challenges," he said.

Wantage Town Council, which owns the Market Place, said it welcomed efforts to improve the area but had concerns about the loss of disabled parking, changes to bus routes and the impact on deliveries.

The consultation closes on Wednesday.

Oxfordshire County Council said feedback would be reviewed before any decisions are taken.