THE need to retain short-term parking on Queen Street, Newton Abbot, was a key concern, echoed by several councillors, of those who responded to a public consultation about plans for pedestrian enhancements to the aforementioned street.

The public consultation, which was held between April 29 and June 24, saught to gauge public opinion on plans, since agreed, which would see, among much else, a reduction in parking.

More than 1,000 letters were issued to residents and approximately 150 letters were issued to businesses informing them of the consultation.

A total of 943 respondents completed the public questionnaire and 46 businesses’ questionnaires were completed; a report has since been published, summarising feedback received during the consultation.

When presented with an open answer question asking for further comment regarding current and/or future use of Newton Abbot town cnetre and Queen Street, the most common subject brought up was that short-term parking was needed and should not be removed.

The question garnered some 581 respondents: more than 180 of which mentioned parking.

It was frequently mentioned, also, that without on-street parking along Queen Street there would not be enough parking capacity in Newton Abbot.

► Mayor’s disappointment at adoption of plan.

Newton Abbot mayor, Cllr Carol Bunday, said:  ‘I was very disappointed in hearing that the DCC & Teignbridge HATOC committee had decided to advertise the TRO’s even though only 51% of the consultation returns were in favour of some parts, but not all, of the proposed plans for Queen Street.

‘I feel sorry for the businesses that will be affected, I am sure some do not realise how much these plans will affect their businesses, but once done it will be too late. TDC state that this is to make the area “More attractive, safer and healthier” place for everyone, but at what cost!

‘Loss of parking, to gain wider pavements, in the hope of encouraging a street cafe culture, a dedicated Bus Lane which will only service one bus every hour, has all the other bus routes go via the Avenue, and at a price of just over £1m surely this money can be spent better by sorting out our smelly drains and making the town look more welcoming by getting rid of the weeds and cutting back of the over grown hedges etc.

‘It is my opinion, this watered down plan, (Where is the extra parking we were promised?) has only been left in the Futures High Street Fund bid, so as to tick a box in order for Government to agree the £9.2m grant.

‘This is an ill thought out plan and we do not need it, what we do need is a welcoming, well maintained town centre, with cheap long stay car parking and additional sustainable, reliable bus and rail travel, this Queen Street plan does not deliver on any of this.’