Newton Abbot: Traders say 'listen to us' in high street protest

Protesters say restricted traffic will impact on trade

Protesters have called on councils to pause plans to restrict traffic and parking on a Devon high street.

Devon and Teignbridge councils have devised a scheme to "enhance the pedestrian experience" on Queen Street in Newton Abbot.

But traders and residents have taken to the street to protest the works, saying they will negatively impact the area.

Teignbridge District Council leader Martin Wrigley said that, without change, "Queen Street will die".

Plans include widened pavements, improved crossings, more planting and seating, parking reductions and traffic restriction.

Work is due to begin in summer 2024.

Councillor Richard Daws said residents and traders were against the proposed changes

But Richard Daws, South Devon Alliance councillor on the Teignbridge authority, said the scheme amounted to the "closure of Queen Street", which would negatively impact trade for businesses.

The Liberal Democrats were elected on the promise of being "community-led", he said, adding: "We would like the council to carry out its mantra ... to listen to residents and listen to traders."

"It's not something that the residents want and it's not something that the traders want," he added.

He said they were calling for a "review" of the decision and appealed for the councils to "re-engage" with the community to "deliver transformational change".

He said there needed to be more focus on Market Square, while the Alexandra Theatre could be a "year-round live entertainment venue".

Teignbridge Council leader Martin Wrigley said the plans were best for the future of Queen Street

Mr Wrigley said he expressed "great sympathy" for those protesting , but it was "really down to the question of what is the best for the future of Queen Street".

He said the plan would make the street "wider, more open, more green and more pedestrian friendly".

Citing Courtenay Street in Newton Abbot and the Triangle in Teignbridge as examples of successful pedestrianisation, he added: "Without changes, Queen Street will die. We are looking to save it."

He added: "I don't believe their trade will drop away, I think it will change, but it has to change.

"All over the country, shopping streets are dying because they are stuck in 19th Century habits.

"This needs to be a street fit for the 21st Century, and that's what we are trying to do."