Express comment: Wakefield city centre pedestrianisation plan is worth trying
Express deputy editor Gavin Murray has said a Wakefield Council plan to pedestrianise a city centre street is worth a go.
A row has broken out over the plan to pedestrianise Northgate as many businesses say it will harm their interests.But the plan was met with support by the city's civic society and others, who said it was chance to see how Wakefield can develop for the better.
Writing in his column in this week's Express, Gavin said:
"On the eve of the reopening of our pubs, bars and eateries I really do not understand the arguments being made against a temporary closure of Northgate.
For years there has been talk of closing city streets to help business, in fact there was time when Westgate was closed to help the nighttime economy.
In the past few years the city redefined itself with thriving independent food and drink scene and now it needs help to get going again.
Outdoor seating will allow them to increase their ability to trade while keeping customers safe and distanced.
There is ample parking within walking distance around the city even if just a little bit of Northgate is closed.
I don’t understand why Wood Street is not included in the plan though.
Closing that as well would have created a nice, socially safe, and traffic free area to tentatively get back to enjoying drink or food or shopping.
Now is a time for helping business and the community take the first baby stapes to some kind of recovery – and making sure it is done safely and responsibly.
The closure plan is just a trial at least give it a try.
And if doesn’t work we will find out."