"DONT DAWDLE ON WIDEMARSH STREET PEDESTRIANISATION" KEETCH TELLS COUNCIL

12.36.14pm GMT Tue 12th Oct 2004

Hereford's Lib Dem MP Paul Keetch is telling the Tory controlled Herefordshire Council not to "dawdle" over plans to pedestrianise Widemarsh Street. Mr Keetch, whose constituency office is located at 39 Widemarsh Street, says he is worried by comments from councillors that a "long consultation project" would be needed before pedestrianisation could happen.

"Widemarsh Street has been closed for weeks and the City has not ground to a halt", said Mr Keetch.

"Business people in Widemarsh Street have told me that their trade has increased. The police tell me that there has been "no noticeable increase" in traffic on the ring road, and as for needing more time to consult, I can tell Herefordshire Council that I have met taxi drivers, the Widemarsh Street traders association and spoken to people on the street, and there seems to be overwhelming support.

"I have received letters from both the police and the fire brigade who would not oppose pedestrianisation. How much more consultation does the council need?

"What we actually need is action to encourage trade in the city not words - I hope that this will not drag on for weeks".

Ends