A leaked report saying Newbury’s pedestrianisation isn’t working for residents or businesses was blocked from debate by West Berkshire Council last night (Thursday).
Chairman Tony Vickers (Lib Dem, Hungerford and Kintbury) refused to allow questions, saying the matter was “not urgent enough” to make the agenda.
The report explains: “The trial extension of pedestrianisation hours in Newbury town centre (10am-11pm) aimed to improve safety, encourage active travel and boost evening economy.”
“Integrated evidence from public consultation, traffic monitoring, economic analysis and Place Informatics footfall data indicates that these objectives have not been met.”
Attempts by the opposition leader to get the matter onto the full council agenda failed, and there is no date for debate. The council says survey results will be made public in ‘late spring’, although it has had the report since December.
“I must challenge your decision not to accept urgent questions relating to the report in today’s Newbury Weekly News on the leak connected to the pedestrianisation consultation,” said Conservative group opposition leader Ross Mackinnon.
“This is plainly a matter of significant public interest – and goes directly to the integrity of the council’s processes.
“By refusing to allow these questions, you are preventing members from holding the administration to account at the earliest opportunity.
“The urgency, arises from the ongoing and very real damage to footfall, high street spending, traffic congestion and access for disabled residents that the administration’s own report makes clear.
“The council is now mired in scandal and your decision prevents the administration answering for their sitting on this report and the consultation response for three months.
“Explain how you consider it consistent with the principles of openness, transparency and proper scrutiny that this council is expected to uphold.”
That was rebutted by the council leader. “I take exception to the throw away insult that this council is mired in scandal, it is not true,” said council leader Jeff Brookes (Lib Dem, Thatcham West).
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
