On March 23, Oxfordshire County Council approved the town council’s request to permanently restrict vehicle access and remove parking spaces in the western section of Wantage Market Square, including parts of Alfred Street and Church Street. This area has been temporarily pedestrianised since July 2020, sparking varied responses from local businesses and residents.
Business owners in the area have shared different perspectives on the impact of the pedestrianisation. Carrie Williams, owner of Creations gift shop, remarked that the change has been advantageous for her business due to increased foot traffic replacing vehicle parking outside her shop. Similarly, the sunnier days have brought even more visitors to the area, which Janet Coleman of coleman&coleman jewellery store acknowledged as a positive effect. However, she also expressed concerns about reduced accessibility, especially for elderly customers reliant on vehicles.
For others, the move has presented challenges. Rob Corlett, proprietor of the Dolphin Gallery, reported a loss of customers, citing the inconvenience posed by the lack of nearby parking. He explained that many of his clients bring in valuable or fragile artworks for framing or restoration, and the extra distance from parking spots makes this process impractical.
The idea of pedestrianising this part of Wantage has been discussed for years, with the town council initiating temporary measures in 2020 as a response to help with social distancing during the Covid pandemic. Initially set for 18 months, the trial period was later extended following positive feedback on its feasibility. Public consultation gathered 193 responses, with 53% expressing support for permanent pedestrianisation, while 22% opposed the idea. As a result, adjustments were made, including retaining two disabled parking spaces to address accessibility concerns.
At the March 23 meeting, town clerk Bill Falkenau noted that no significant issues had arisen during the trial phase. Town councillor Jenny Hannaby emphasized that the space allowed the town to host special events, such as French and German artisan markets, and contributed to making Wantage a more inviting destination. Cllr Andrew Gant, cabinet member for highways management, expressed his approval of the plan, calling it a positive step forward.
While the pedestrianisation has delivered clear advantages in terms of hosting events and overall foot traffic, the concerns of some local businesses regarding accessibility highlight the ongoing balancing act needed to ensure the town remains viable for all stakeholders. The council’s decision aims to enhance the appeal of Wantage Market Square while supporting the local economy.
Local businesses and residents impacted by the pedestrianisation are encouraged to participate in further consultations or join groups to express their views. If you’re a business owner in the area, consider creating a free business profile on our directory to connect with the community and attract new customers. Visit our directory to discover activities, shops, and services in Wantage!
