Traders’ relief as plans to remove parking bays and extend pavements in Lewes abandoned

The LHSTA’s chairman, Tom Reeves said: “We are so grateful that the views of local traders were taken into account in the decision making process, and we also really appreciate the support of over a thousand people who signed our petition.

“The proposed measures would not have reduced the risk of Covid transmission and would have fatally damaged trade and community life in the High Street and would have been highly discriminatory against the less able bodied.

“We very much want to reduce pollution and traffic congestion, but alternative transport and parking options are vital before we can ban cars from the High Street.

“Looking forward, the Lewes High Street Traders Association will continue to pursue its core aim: ‘To promote the prosperity of Lewes High Street and surrounding areas by creating an attractive and vibrant commercial environment’. That has always meant making the town a better, cleaner, safer, more attractive place for everyone, and it’s a goal we will carry on aiming for in cooperation with local authorities and every section of the community.

“Meanwhile, Lewes is very much open for business, with its unique range of independent shops ready to welcome local people and visitors to the beautiful heart of the town.”

Mitch Upton, of The Royal Oak, commented: “I for one am pleased that common sense has prevailed. This ill-conceived scheme would have caused irreparable damage to our High Street, where many traders are already fighting for their survival. I am not against pavement widening, pedestrianisation or cycle lanes, but such a plan needs to be properly formulated and the infrastructure of the town adapted accordingly. And there needs to be full and proper consultation with the businesses and residents directly affected. Simply blocking off invaluable parking spaces with ugly barriers would cause far more issues than it could possibly be argued to solve.”

Kate Burgess-Craddy, of Lumen of Lewes, added: “I’m delighted that the council officers and county councillors have listened to our concerns and not gone ahead with their plans for Lewes. Traders, residents and visitors have to co-exist, whatever their preferred method of transport, and I accept it is hard to balance the sometimes conflicting needs of these groups.

“But in a post-Covid economy it is right that commercial needs have been prioritised. I would welcome constructive dialogue with council strategists and planners in the future when new plans for the town centre have to be formulated.”

Tania Osband, Edward Reeves Photography, said: “It’s really good news to hear that the barriers are not going up. The proposed scheme would have risked the safety of both pedestrians and cyclists and threatened the survival of our fantastic independent shops. “We can now look forward and enjoy the beauty of the historic Lewes High Street without it looking like a motorway roadworks site.”

Lucy Crook, Beckworths Deli, also said: “What fantastic news! Us small businesses can now concentrate on picking up our trade since this terrible pandemic hit us and continue to support our customers through it. Hopefully this press coverage will pave the way to better Covid-19 schemes across the country and better accessibility for all.”

Dougal Fleming from Alistair Fleming, said: “The fibre of this town can be measured by the strength of independent shops. The creation of plans with potential to drastically affect Lewes shops without the consulting of businesses will never be embraced. Whilst we recognise that transport through town needs to become more cycle friendly, hiding behind social distancing measures is not the way to do it. Well done LHSTA.”

Peta King from Kings Framers, said: “So very relieved to know we will not be looking at temporary plastic barriers outside our shop all winter, we still need to maintain momentum for improved parking for the top of Lewes’ High Street, particularly the ESCC car park, and for improved signage to these car parks to ensure a lovely day out in Lewes for all those using the High Street.”

Kevin Hillman from No.1 Lewes, said: “At last sense appears to prevail and the pavement widening and parking reduction is not to go ahead.”

Jim from Lewes Print Centre, added: “Involve us all in the consultation process and a happy and successful conclusion can be found.”

Kevin Scott, Director at Herbert Scott chartered financial planners, said: “Generally traders in Lewes are not unreasonable car loving people. We recognise there is too much traffic congestion and pollution and, in some places, it is not pleasant to walk and cycle. However, we objected to the ESCC proposal because the context was about reducing coronavirus transmission and we believe the plans would have achieved very little in this respect. There are many places where it is difficult to socially distance, e.g. where pavements are narrow (Bottle Neck, Station Street) or at road junctions. Cancelling parking would not lead to a reduced risk of virus transmission in these places. Cancelling parking would, however, make it very difficult for businesses to receive deliveries and provide access to less able-bodied people, especially at the top of the town.

“ESCC has already doubled on street parking charges since the pandemic struck and traders are very worried about the reduction in visitor numbers from out of town.

“Cancelling High Street parking spaces, without first putting in place alternative means of transport and other places to park, would have been a serious threat to already struggling local businesses. I am very glad ESCC has reconsidered and taken the sensible decision to abandon the proposal.

“This shouldn’t be the end of the matter though. We would like to see ESCC and LDC come together and form a working party to include representatives from traders, residents, Cycle Lewes etc. with the aim of establishing an integrated transport policy for Lewes which takes into account the opportunities and threats brought on by climate change and the so called new normal.”

A spokesperson for Lewes Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to hear East Sussex County Council have decided to scrap their plan to suspend parking on the high street. We feel the decision made is the correct one. While we understood the reasons behind the proposal it would not have worked for a town like Lewes.”

Chamber President, Clare Crouch added: ”I would like to thank ESCC for taking the concerns seriously. I am pleased that the traders and businesses on the High Street have had this worry lifted. After already having suffered badly during the last few months due to Coronavirus, this will help towards a positive step forward in rebuilding trade on the High Street.”

Clare and Archie from Riverside Flowers commented: “Our relief that the decision has been made to keep the on street parking is beyond words.

“We thank the council for listening and our fellow traders for the hard work they have put into getting all our opinions across.

“Lewes is a beautiful town, but it must be remembered that in order to remain so it needs to be allowed to be a working town.

““During these difficult times we need to work to help each other and this decision has helped restore faith, as well as going a long way to secure the jobs of our staff as well as ourselves.”

Andrew Clarke from Louis Potts said: “Thank you ESCC for a very sensible decision. It shows courage to accept that your proposal was wrong. Thank you also to any of our councillors who have lobbied on behalf of the traders, it’s what you were elected for, and what we expect of you.

“My greatest thanks go to those campaigning shopkeepers who mounted such a strong case against this misconceived proposal. Whilst working full time to pilot their businesses through the current nightmare , they found time and energy to stand up for their fellow traders. A common sense result for Lewes High Street Traders. It could have ended so badly!”

Jane Burton from Capriccio said: “I am delighted and relieved that ESCC have decided not to go ahead with the barrier scheme which would have been unnecessary, unsightly and extremely detrimental to trade on the High Street.

While I would welcome a traffic calming scheme and more space for pedestrians and cyclists alike, it must be thought through with basic infrastructure put in place first.”

Charles Wycherley from Wycherleys added: “Hurrah!!”