Reform announces change to town centre works following dramatic drop in business footfall
Charles Street in the Town Centre will now remain open to general traffic under changes announced by Calderdale’s Reform administration. Harvey’s of Halifax say last two years has been toughest ever.
Earlier this week Calderdale Reform announced changes to the planned works in Halifax Town Centre, on their Facebook page, explaining to followers:
“We have amended the plans for the works at the bottom of Halifax Town Centre, meaning the road between the Imperial Crown Hotel and the Woolshops Car Park will no longer be closed as planned.”
Cllr Darren Commons, portfolio holder for Highways explained to Calderdale Inside Out:
“The previous administration’s plans would have closed Square Road completely and restricted Charles Street to buses and access only, including access to the car park and local businesses. That would have pushed even more traffic towards the already very busy Charlestown Road/Burdock Way junction.
By reopening Charles Street to general traffic, vehicles will now be able to use both routes, helping to spread traffic more evenly and reduce congestion.”
The original proposals were for a bus gate allowing specified traffic, including buses, taxis, motorcycles and cycles, although access to Woolshops car park would have remained.
A reduction in roadworks will be greeted with relief by Halifax Town Centre businesses who have suffered a dramatic loss of footfall since the works began.
