THE RESULTS of a survey to be released by Penarth Town Council (PTC) proposing a safe traffic free zone on Windsor Road show a majority support for the idea, the council is expected to reveal this week.

This is despite staunch challenges from some businesses in the town, who are concerned the zone, combined with a one-way traffic system around the town post lockdown, could lead to a decline in footfall.

The survey – circulated by PTC online in July – has been completed by almost 800 people, who “largely felt change was a good thing”.

In a meeting last Tuesday the Vale of Glamorgan Council – which will have the final say – was updated on the feedback, and reviewed plans will shortly be put to the Vale after being shared with Penarthians.

These proposals are likely to retract the idea of a pedestrianisation zone at Lower Glebe Street, instead implementing this on Windsor Road from the roundabout to Hickman Road.

Penarth Times: The town council says the new ideas will bring about 17 new spacesThe town council says the new ideas will bring about 17 new spaces

Lower Glebe Street could be a “shared space” for delivery vehicles and disabled drivers.

Council members at PTC met yesterday evening to discuss the ideas further and decide on what will be put to the Vale.

Businesses on Lower Glebe Street were vociferous in their objections to the plans to incorporate the area in the safe zone, and said they have already seen a noticeable decline in sales since temporary parking restrictions were enforced for social distancing reasons.

Julie Haines, owner of Jewels Canley Interiors, said she is “very surprised people are backing the changes”.

“I think all this change for the sake of a few parking spaces (17 extra spaces with 34 new spaces on Plassey Street) is a waste of money and will do little for the town,” she said.

Penarth Times: Traders gathered in Lower Glebe Street two weeks ago to challenge the proposals, and the town council says they have been listened toTraders gathered in Lower Glebe Street two weeks ago to challenge the proposals, and the town council says they have been listened to

“My fear is that these plans are all well and good until it rains and people are stuck in traffic. We’re heading into winter and it (safe zone) won’t be used, and most people won’t be able to park near us anyway.

“I don’t think the changes are necessary.”

Another idea which could be retracted from the proposals is the one-way traffic system from the library to Hickman Road (Stanwell Road). This is likely to be swapped for a two-way system to allow buses and other vehicles to access Rectory Road more easily.

Nigel Humphrey, councillor for St Augustines, who has been speaking at length with traders about the ideas, said: “The driver in all this is the need for a safe zone, and for Penarth to look better in a way that works for everyone.

“The indication is that Penarth is united behind these ideas.

"This is an emergency response to help us survive a crisis, and is temporary unless someone decides otherwise.”

Richard Snell, owner of AB Snell & Son on Stanwell Road, said: “I’m trying to look at the bigger picture and I have warmed to some of the ideas.

“I am glad the one-way system is being rethought. The ideas as they were would have caused congestion and rat running through Hickman Road and Arcot Street.

Penarth Times: Richard SnellRichard Snell

“In general terms I think new parking ideas are good. Most people will walk a couple of hundred yards, and will be more inclined to do that if the volume of traffic lessens, so the safe zone would facilitate that.

“I’m behind trying to make walking around Penarth a better experience, and I don’t think this pedestrianisation zone will be the killer it has been built up to be.

"It is crucial this trial period is done properly and the thoughts of Penarthians are thoroughly taken into account on a rolling basis."

Gideon Calder of environmental group Gwyrddio Penarth Greening said: "It's great to see a majority support for change.

"Of course, we'd like to see this as part of a wider movement to promote active travel and in Penarth we're very lucky that so many of us live within easy walking  substance of the centre.

"But those are conversations for further down the line. The first crucial step is to make Penarth as safe a place as possible for people to spend time in."

For more information, visit https://www.penarthtowncouncil.gov.uk/your-council/penarth-post-covid-your-views-on-our-town-centre/parking/.