West Berkshire Council has been criticised for a "lamentable lack of transparency" after a leaked internal report into Newbury's pedestrianisation trial effectively trashed the scheme.
The briefing flags rising congestion, damage to trade and safety fears after dark. It comes weeks after the council's own economic development lead said the trial, which stops cars going through the town centre, was improving trade and footfall.
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."
The leaked internal briefing, shown to Newbury Today, confirms 3,120 responses were collected in the latest public consultation - 76.8 per cent objected to the trial over traffic congestion, business decline and accessibility issues, while 19.3 per cent gave positive feedback praising "ambience" in the town and "cleaner air".
The document, as reported by Newbury Today, is entitled 'Briefing Note V2 - Economic, Transport and Consultation Analysis of Extended Pedestrianisation Hours in Newbury' and was prepared on December 15, 2025.
Key findings note increased traffic, an impact on trade, "widespread" fears for safety after dark and the possible exclusion of disabled and elderly visitors. The report says traffic on the A339 "rose significantly post extension" when looking at "PM peak flows", which it admits "strongly correlated" with the change in policy.
Conservative group opposition leader Ross Mackinnon said: "The leaked report into the pedestrianisation trial raises huge concerns.
"It shows that the scheme has damaged footfall, economic performance, and transport, while it has contributed to increased congestion and accessibility issues for disabled residents.
"At the same time, residents are still waiting to see the full survey results from the council's own consultation, four months after it closed.
"With a huge majority of respondents reportedly opposing the scheme, it is completely unacceptable that this information has not yet been made publicly available.
"There has been a lamentable lack of transparency and accountability throughout the entire life of this failed experiment.
"Decisions of this scale must be guided by clear evidence and open engagement with residents and local businesses - not withheld reports and delayed data.
"Were the Lib Dems going to sit on this report for the whole 18 months just to save face?"
The Conservative Group is calling on the council to immediately publish all findings in full, including the consultation results and supporting analysis, and to set out a clear and honest assessment of whether this scheme is meeting its stated objectives.
"If the evidence shows it is not working, the council must change course before further damage is done to the town and its economy," added Mr Mackinnon.
Last May the town centre was declared a car-free zone between 10am and 11pm - up from the previous 10am to 5pm - with West Berkshire Council arguing the move should boost footfall and spending despite objections from almost 60 per cent of people surveyed at the time.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
