Wimborne Square – draft proposals on display

Wimborne Town Council has long held the ambition of enhancing the Square in the town and finally, the options have been reviewed and the scheme has been developed.

The objective is to increase and enhance the pedestrian areas of the Square by widening the pavements and making traffic one-way from east to west, reducing the amount of movement and disturbance to the other users. The flow down the High Street would remain unchanged, as would the flows of traffic in West Street and West Borough.

The increased space given over to pedestrians means that there would be no on-street parking or space for a taxi rank in the Square itself, but proposed ranks are to go at the southern end of West Borough and the northern end of High Street.

Street furniture is also a critical area of choice. The existing listed telephone kiosks will remain, but there is scope for public involvement in the choice of seats, litter bins, bollards, cycle stands and other features, for example, a public art feature.

It is hoped to carry out the works during the summer of 2010. Pedestrian access would be maintained at all times to all properties during the construction period.

An exhibition of the draft proposals is on display in Allendale House in Wimborne, until 16 January.

Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of East Dorset District Council, said: “The aim of the proposed scheme is to inject new life into the centre of Wimborne, whilst respecting this outstanding conservation area. This will be done by increasing the amount of space allowing people to move freely…”

“It is very important that residents have their say on the proposed scheme and let the council know about the features they like and dislike.”