CityLife

Car ban in Gay Village 'good idea'

Canal Street

PLANS to pedestrianise Manchester’s Gay Village have won the support of visitors to the area.

A pilot scheme in the city centre’s Canal Street district has been an overwhelming success, according to city bosses.

A one-month study has seen the area – which is lined with bars, clubs and restaurants – pedestrianised on Friday and Saturday evenings in an attempt to improve safety.

Staff at Salford University, who are examining ways to improve safety and ease overcrowding, have interviewed more than 100 people in the Gay Village and found that 90 per cent thought it should be permanently traffic free.

'Positive feedback'

The number of crimes committed in the area also dropped during the pilot period, which saw parts of Sackville Street and Bloom Street closed to traffic and restrictions to Brazil Street and Richmond Street during busy times.

Manchester council is seeking the views of residents, businesses and visitors to the area. The consultation process ends on Friday, November 21.

City centre spokesman Pat Karney said: “We are very encouraged by the positive feedback we have received.
 
“However, it is acknowledged some operational issues need to be addressed in any future scheme. We would like to hear from more people to help us gauge if this could be a way forward to boost business and make visitors feel safer.”

To comment on the scheme e-mail P.Richardson1@man chester.gov.uk, or write to Pam Richardson, Salisbury House, Granby Row, Manchester M1 7DL, or phone 0161 954 9000.