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.”