Firstly, a huge thank you to all who engaged with the survey. It will help the council so much when making decisions about this. Thank you also to the Chamber of Commerce for their survey of transport users of the Town Centre, and Sustainable Wantage for their Sustainable Wantage Community Survey that closes on 3rd December and includes questions relating to options for changes in the town centre.
We know that many will be wondering about the results of the survey.
We are in the process of preparing a detailed report but in the meantime want you to know that there was a gratifyingly large response, so large in fact that it has generated 40 pages of comments and some great suggestions. It is also clear what the majority would prefer (see below) but we will nevertheless keep the minority opinions in mind when making our decisions.
It is important to remember that the West End closure and the other proposed closures are a response from the Town Council to the government requirement to open town centres and other public spaces safely whilst we are learning to live with the Covid 19 pandemic. Permanent pedestrianisation is a separate issue, although clearly the situation we are in now gives the opportunity to see how this would work and what impacts it has.
In line with GDPR (data protection) we have to strip out names and personal details on the comments but will publish them as soon as we can. In the meantime, here is a summary of the results:
For all the 823 respondents
Survey results – All data presented excludes the “don’t knows” and “didn’t answer”.
On the Western end: On balance do think these changes achieve their objective?
Yes 62% vs No 38%
On balance are you in favour of the temporary scheme for further pedestrianisation and move of the taxi rank and Buses for the area to the SOUTH of the market.
Yes 58% vs No 42%
Are you generally in favour of the temporary pedestrianisation of the north end of Newbury street?
Yes 57% vs No 43%
Thinking about all of the proposals and current implemented scheme which items are closer to your personal view (please select all that apply)?
| The area to the West of the Market should remain pedestrianised on a temporary basis for the duration of the COVID pandemic. | 63% | vs | 37% | Pedestrianisation of the Town centre in any form does not make safer spaces for social distancing during the COVID pandemic. |
| The area to the SOUTH of the Market should be pedestrianised, including proposed changes to the Taxi rank and bus stops, on a temporary basis for the duration of the COVID pandemic. | 60% | vs | 40% | Pedestrianisation of the Town centre in any form does not make safer spaces for social distancing during the COVID pandemic. |
| The North end of Newbury street should be pedestrianised on a temporary basis for the duration of the COVID pandemic. | 57% | vs | 43% | Pedestrianisation of the Town centre in any form does not make safer spaces for social distancing during the COVID pandemic. |
Should the Council consult by means of a survey like this one to monitor any implemented schemes?
Yes – in approximately 3 months’ time. 61%
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