Victorian Fair to Feature Pedestrianised High Street
Tuesday 7th December
2010
Victorian Fair to Feature
Pedestrianised High Street as Residents’ Survey Backs Moves to
Remove Traffic
Ahead of Bedford’s biggest ever Victorian Fair next
weekend, which will see the High Street transformed into a
pedestrianised Christmas bazaar, results from a recent survey of
local residents have shown overwhelming support for
‘de-trafficking’ Bedford High Street.
The annual Victorian Christmas Fair has
previously been held in the pedestrianised part of Bedford town
centre, on Midland Road and Harpur Square. However, this year will
see the biggest ever Christmas Fair as it expands to include the
High Street.
Earlier this year, Bedford Borough Council
consulted local residents and businesses on the future for Bedford
High Street, including the possibility of ‘de-trafficking’ the road
or, in other words, removing all traffic except emergency vehicles,
deliveries etc, This was followed up at this month’s Town Centre
Exhibition which found continued support for reducing traffic on
the High Street:
- 98% thought improving the High Street was very important /
fairly important to the overall regeneration of Bedford town
centre
- 85% thought de-trafficking the High Street was amongst the most
important aims for the future
- When asked specifically about dealing with traffic, 69% wanted
to remove as much traffic as possible and 20% wanting to remove
some traffic
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said:
“The Victorian Christmas Fair is an immensely popular event and
provides a great opportunity for families to do their Christmas
shopping in a vibrant and festive atmosphere.’
“This year, we are expanding the fair to make
it bigger and better than ever, with the High Street transformed
into a pedestrianised shopping area featuring a wide range of
festive stalls. With all the feedback we have received to date
showing people want more space for pedestrians as we work to
regenerate the High Street, I am hopeful that the pedestrianised
shopping experience created there as part of an expanded Victorian
Fair will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. ”
The Council is currently working to secure
Heritage Lottery Funding of £850,000 to regenerate the High Street.
Bedford Borough Council and Bedford BID would provide match funding
to enable the restoration and renovation of High Street buildings.
The Council and the majority of consultation respondents believe
that less traffic in the High Street would enhance this
regeneration work, allowing pedestrians to enjoy the High Street
and appreciate its architectural heritage.
The new layout of the Victorian Christmas Fair
means market stalls will occupy one lane (Debenhams side of the
road) for 200 metres. The other lane will remain unobstructed for
the use of emergency vehicles. Market stalls and other
entertainment will also remain in Harpur Square and towards Midland
Road.
Bedford Borough Council has already contacted
local businesses to ask for their views on how to maximise the
benefits of the High Street closure and minimise any potential
disruption. The Council will also be signing diversion routes and
monitoring the effects of the closure on traffic levels.
The fair takes place from Friday
10th to Sunday 12th December. The High Street
will be closed to traffic from 7pm on Thursday 9th
December to 7pm on Sunday 12th December.