The Conservative group on West Berkshire Council has asked for an extraordinary meeting to debate a motion on pedestrianising Newbury town centre, after attempts to raise urgent questions at full council were blocked.
Tabled on Sunday, the motion demands clarity on the status of the pedestrianisation trial and publication of an internal report that was leaked to the Newbury Weekly News. The Liberal Democrat administration says it will not publish the report until at least the end of spring 2026.
The council report on a survey into Newbury's pedestrianised hours says the trial has led to increased congestion, hit trade, reduced accessibility and sparked safety fears.
Leader of the Conservative Group Ross Mackinnon said: "At last week's council meeting, I attempted to ask urgent questions about the pedestrianisation trial;questions that are in the public interest and vital to local businesses. "But those questions were refused by the chairman. "This isn't about politics; it's about accountability. "Residents and businesses are being left in the dark while important decisions are delayed, and the public is denied a proper say. "If debate is blocked, transparencysuffers, and confidence in the council falls. "That is why this meeting is necessary."
Council highways executive portfolio holder Stuart Gourley (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hill) said results will be published in line with a longer-term decision by the end of the spring 2026.
"This is an internal report to give decision makers all the relevant information," he said. "We continue to discuss this information with stakeholders such as the BID, BID members and Newbury Town Council so we can make an informed longer term decision which we will be making by the end of the spring."
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
