South London council scraps high street pedestrianisation plans after backlash

"Following a consultation, which was carried out in April and May of this year and saw almost 3,000 residents respond to the survey, the council found there was a strong public interest in improving cleanliness and waste management on the high street, as well as better lighting to make the high street more welcoming and improve safety. The council has said it has already repainted the lighting column along the high street and neighbouring Douglas Way and Creekside, removing graffiti and stickers."

"I'm glad in a way because now customers can come to the shop and pick up heavy stuff and put it in their car and drive off. They're able to get bags and bags of soil. This is good, I'm glad anyway. One improvement Terry would like to see is for the zebra crossing outside the Sainsbury's Local to be repainted as people don't recognise it."

"The footway areas along the whole length of Deptford High Street are expected to undergo a deep clean this month. Further action will see old phone boxes, damaged signs and poles removed as well as additional planting in the area and improved lighting, especially under the railway bridge. The high street will see cycle hangars installed, enhanced signage and wayfinding to make it easier to get to businesses, and extra enforcement to tackle illegal parking and antisocial behaviour."

Lewisham Council paused plans to pedestrianise Deptford High Street after opposition from local traders and residents. The council will not bring forward a pedestrianisation scheme without further engagement with the local community. Terry's Discount, a family shop operating for 50 years, welcomed the pause because customers can still drive and load heavy items, and requested the zebra crossing outside Sainsbury's Local be repainted. A consultation in April–May drew almost 3,000 responses showing interest in improved cleanliness, waste management and better lighting to boost safety. Planned actions include repainting lighting columns, deep-cleaning footways, removing damaged street furniture, adding planting, installing cycle hangars, improving signage, and increasing enforcement. Further announcements will set delivery dates.

Read at www.standard.co.uk