The High Street

Message from Councillor Eric Carter reads:

Newport¹s controversial bus build out is to be ripped out in August after three years of widespread outcry and a petition of 3,000 signatures calling for a chop on the shambolic traffic calming measures.

Blasted at the time as a "total pig¹s ear", the bus build out was installed in May 2006, under Telford & Wrekin Council's Labour administration, and caused outrage as residents feared for their safety while at time, the High Street became gridlocked.
But this week Telford & Wrekin said removal works on the build out, including some of the pinch points, will get underway in August.

Telford & Wrekin cabinet member for regeneration,Councillor Eric Carter said it was time for the "mess" to be cleared up.
"We made an election promise to get rid of the bus build out and the pinch points and that is what we are going to do. They should not have been put there in the first place."

"Work will start in August on removing the bus build out and some of the pinch points but I believe that they should all go because they are in a conservation area so it¹s time for the mess to be cleared up," he said.

At the time the Advertiser had a record post bag as Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard and Newport Chamber of Commerce got on board to rid the town of the eyesores.

Concerns over pedestrian crossings being scrapped were also quashed this week as Councillor Carter added that the central island outside B&M will remain.
"I don¹t want people to panic. We are not going to jeopardise safety by removing the central island on the High Street because a lot of people use that to cross the street," said Councillor Carter.

Also being scrapped are any signs, poles and bollards that are no longer needed with the High Street remaining a 20 mph zone.

The build-out removal is separate to the regeneration work but will make way for the High Street revamp to begin later this year.
Councillor Carter added: "Essential items such as bins, benches and bus stops will also be provided where they are needed."