Southampton's Bedford Place to reopen to traffic

A city street that was partially closed to allow outdoor seating for its restaurants and bars is to reopen.

Bedford Place in Southampton has been closed to traffic since last year but some retailers say it has hit trade.

Following a consultation, the new Conservative council administration said the road would reopen on 19 July, when Covid restrictions are due to end.

A decision on whether Carlton Place and Lower Banister Street will reopen is expected later in the year.

Southampton City Council said 57% of businesses in the area were in favour of the road being reopened.

Traffic calming measures are now being considered instead.

But the city's shadow transport councillor, Labour's Sarah Bogle, said as the survey had only included businesses along the road "residents and wider public voices have not been heard".

Ms Bogle added: "We recognise there are mixed views and have canvassed opinion widely - our findings to date show a clear majority of residents favour keeping the pedestrianisation as it is, and allowing the full benefits during the summer."

The pedestrianisation was implemented when the authority was run by the Labour group, but immediately after winning power in last month's local elections the Conservatives said reopening the road to cars was one of their top priorities.

Businesses remain divided over the issue, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Martin Chant, co-manager at Cloud Wine, said: "When the closure happened it dramatically affected businesses. We are glad to see it reopen."

Caroline French, managing director of W J French & Son, said: "Going forward I would urge the council to look into evening, weekend or temporary closures."

Deputy leader of the council, Jeremy Moulton, said: "We have been lobbied by businesses saying this was adversely affecting their businesses. 

"We recognise the benefits that this scheme has had for hospitality businesses in Carlton Place and Lower Banister Street and will be keeping this section pedestrianised before making a final decision."

Work to reopen the road will start in mid-July and planters will be moved to allow on-street parking.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].