Traffic looks set to be banned from one of Sudbury's busiest shopping streets – but only on Sundays for a trial period.
Sudbury Town Council's highways and footpaths committee agreed to press ahead with plans to shut North Street to traffic one day a week.
If the plans are backed by the full council, an experimental traffic order will be requested from Suffolk Coun
ty Council.
Plans to shut North Street on Thursdays and Saturdays were dropped after traders said they were worried about the loss of parking and problems with deliveries.
Peter Cockett, of electrical goods retailer System Sound, said: "If it is Sunday and only Sunday then I think we would all support that. We wouldn't have the problems of deliveries on a Sunday and I can't see there being a big issue.
"Many years ago boot fairs were held along North Street on a Sunday and were very successful and proved popular with traders. I think it is a good idea."
Councillor John Sayers, who proposed the experiment, said: "Having an experimental period is a consultation. We want to ask as many people as possible. People will say whether or not they like it.
"I think it is important that we consider the public as well as the traders along North Street. We know the traders have been up in arms about similar plans in the past but we need to hear what the general public thinks about it.
"Personally, I think it will be a good thing. Whenever I go to towns with pedestrianised spaces like King's Lynn and Colchester I think it is an enjoyable experience.
"We are planning to plant trees along North Street and to pedestrianise it as well would make it a peaceful, pleasant place to walk through and shop in. I think it will attract more people to town."
Members of the highways and footpaths committee have asked the town council to look into how the ban could be implemented in North Street and are considering dropped-bollards similar to those in Bury St Edmunds.
The full town council will consider the proposal later this month.
l Tell us what you think: Do you back the pedestrianisation of North Street – on Sundays only or full-time? Email the editor via mark.crossley@sudburytoday.co.uk, write to the addresses on Page 9 or leave a comment on this story at our website.
The full article contains 404 words and appears in Suffolk Free Press newspaper.
