4.3.13

We object to pedestrianisation of High Street from Bellingham Lane to Church Street.

Our Committee objects to this proposal, the Chairman is disabled.

It would make it impossible to get to the doctors. Other disadvantages include:

1. Visist to dentist, banks, building society, hairdressers, tea/coffee shops, a butcher and other retail stores.

2. Loss of 'kerbside' parking for everyone.

3. Loss of unloading facilities for goods vehicles.

4. Some premises have their own car parks which can only be accessed from this section.

5. Church Street could not cope, Websters Way would be more congested.

Repeat, please allow it to remain as now.

My views are that Rayleigh has a lovely rural village feel to its town. I believe if it becomes pedestrianised it would lose that feel and business would suffer as there would be no passing trade for people who do a park and pick up, as people pass through and stop on a regular basis.

Putting seating areas may encourage a hanging about trend, will still may not give more trade to shops.

People that visit always comment on our shopping area, especially how it looks at Christmas so why would anyone want to make it look like thousands of other towns in the country which seem to go down hill very quickly in the way they look. That would make our town lose its vibrancy, in my opinion.

I think if Websters Way parking facilities were to be taken away that would have a severe impact on people in town. They just wont come. I think Rayleigh has good parking facilities.

It would be great if Marks and Spencer's could be persuaded to trade here. We have enough coffee shops, hairdressers and eating out places.

I hope my views are of help to you.