Town centre changes will hit trade, businesses say

An artist's impression of proposals for Queen Street

Some businesses in Newton Abbot have raised concerns about the impact of planned changes to the town centre.

Work is due to start on the enhancement of Queen Street, in Newton Abbot, in summer 2024, Devon County Council said.

The authority said there would be restricted car access and enhanced space and greenery to make the area safer and more attractive.

However critics said they feared the change to access would deter people.

Marcel Massey who owns a printing shop said he was concerned at the plans

Access on a "small section of Queen Street beyond the junction with Albany Street" will be restricted to buses, pedestrians, cycles and loading.

The council said this along with widened footways, improved crossings and enhanced greenery would open up the area and enhance the shopping experience.

Queen Street will remain accessible for all traffic wanting to get to the businesses there and 26 on-street parking spaces will be retained.

The scheme has received funds from Future High Street Funding and Active Travel funding.

Marcel Massey, who owns a printing business, said: "The big concerns is that people are going to see the signs at the end of the road and not come into Newton Abbot.

"So many of the shops in town rely on traffic."

Mary Austin, also a shop owner, said: "We believe that reducing the car parking is going to have a serious knock-on effect with significant consequences to the whole of Newton Abbot...

"There will be 55% less parking so it's not easy for people".

Councillor Richard Daws, the opposition leader on Teignbridge Council, said with an ageing population "the idea that closing the key shopping street in Newton Abbot would be good for the businesses was a complete anathema".

Mary Austin said the reduction in parking would stop "pop and shop"

Teignbridge District Council leader Martin Wrigley said the proposals "will make Newton Abbot town centre a much better place to visit as well as making it a safer and healthier place for residents".

He added: "Whether they browse, walk or cycle, meet and eat, or enjoy a cultural experience Newton Abbot will be truly back on the map."

Councillor Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for highway management, said: “Reducing the amount of through traffic will improve air quality and - by providing more space and better crossing areas - shoppers will be able to make the most of the businesses and facilities in Queen Street.”

Councillor Phil Bullivant, County Councillor for Newton Abbot North, added: “These plans are designed to deliver solutions that have been demonstrated to work in similar towns."