A TRIAL that saw part of a high street sealed off to traffic to enable shoppers and businesses to safely continue during the pandemic could become a permanent feature following a consultation. 

The pedestrianisation of the lower half of Chesham High Street could become a fixed arrangement, following a public review later in the year.

Chesham Town Council prohibited vehicles from entering Market Square at the start of the Covid pandemic to allow socially-distanced trade to continue.

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It has long been an ambition of locals to pedestrianise the area, according to Cllr Jane MacBean, and following the success of the trial wooden planters have been purchased to replace the temporary barriers supplied by Transport for Bucks (TfB).

The new planters are due to be installed week beginning March 22.

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“It has long been an ambition of the town council and residents to fully pedestrianise the lower half of Chesham High Street,” said Cllr MacBean.

“At the start of the Covid pandemic we took the opportunity to turn Market Square into a safer, traffic free public realm space as a trial, which allowed for social distancing, ensured the continuation of the local produce market once a month and allowed local cafes and restaurants to increase their customer numbers by providing chairs and tables outside.

“It has been very successful and we will be carrying out a consultation later in 2021 to make it a permanent arrangement. TfB supplied temporary barriers to close the area off to vehicles but we have now invested in wooden planters to replace them that will be much more attractive and fit for purpose, which are due to be delivered the week of March 22.”

Picture credit: Cllr Jane MacBean

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