Leamington town centre resident is set to launch petition to have Parade pedestrianised permanently
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Hafeez Ahmed, of Binswood Avenue, says many of his neighbours have said they will support the petition which would lead to the town's centre's main shopping street becoming pedestrainised past lockdown and after Coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
Mr Ahmed said: "The issue of the possible permanent pedestrianisation of The Parade is not a new one, and has been a hotly debated topic in the past in Warwick district.
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Hide Ad"The temporary closure of The Parade since the pandemic has provided a rare opportunity for people to experience a closed road for a prolonged period.
"Over the past year, The Parade has been infinitely more pleasurable and going back to the old traffic blighted parade, with too many buses blocking the traffic, mounting the kerbs and heavily tricked out cars with drainpipes for exhausts driven down there like it’s a drag strip, would be a big step backwards.
"Pedestrianisation would serve to further the street cafe culture that Leamington has made decent steps towards in the last few years.
"Plus, the evidence is overwhelming that when you pedestrianise the amount of trade increases (around 40 per cent more).
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Hide Ad"See here for references https://cycleways.org.uk/economic/"I also think there are plenty of alternative north-south routes in Leamington to make The Parade redundant for traffic.
"So far, informally, my proposal has the support of most residents along Binswood Avenue."