Plans revealed to pedestrianise Horsham town centre roads

West Sussex County Council is temporarily opening East Street, Park place and Market Square to pedestrians between 10.30am and 10.30pm.

The closure to traffic during these house will be in place until August 30, according to the council’s website.

Horsham Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news of the closures.

A spokesman said: “These measures will make it easier for businesses, especially restaurants, to operate on the highway without safety risks.

“It will also allow for pedestrians to social distance with greater ease, reducing the risk of infection.”

Businesses will be allowed to receive deliveries as normal before 10.30am. Parking remains available in the nearby Piries Place car park, with accessible parking on the ground floor.

Cllr Matt Allen, shadow cabinet member for the local economy and parking said: “I’m very pleased with this decision.

“The hospitality and leisure sectors are the hardest hit areas of our economy and it’s vitally important that they are given all the help they can again as reopening progresses.”

The new changes will support local businesses, all the while making it easier for pedestrians to travel around our town centre, safe in the knowledge that there are greater opportunities for social distancing, he added.

Mr Allen said: “The Horsham Lib Dems will continue working with officers in Horsham District Council so that licensing agreements can be changed to allow for restaurant seating in these open spaces to take place.

“It is important that these agreements are changed as soon as possible to allow for business to take advantage of the summer weather.”

Horsham District Council has been approached for comment.