There has always been a discussion on whether pedestrianising Marlow would be a feasible idea and now with outdoor hospitality reopening the topic has resurfaced.
As coronavirus restrictions ease many places across the country pedestrianising town centres to allow restaurants to spill onto the streets.
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In Bucks, part-time road restrictions are now in place on High Wycombe's High Street and Pauls Row is also set to become a "bastion of weekend café culture and alfresco dining" with roads closed every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
Marlow residents have been questioning if it could be introduced to their town centre with one resident revealing it was an idea they had last summer.
The resident said: “We tried to set this up last summer as a short-term, one evening a week event to help hospitality back on its feet.
“It had a huge backing by Marlow residents who loved the concept and provisionally pre-booked tables for dinner in the hope it would go ahead.”
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However, another questioned the traffic issues that could be caused: “I think it could be a great idea in these times, but where does the traffic go?
“I'm pretty sure the side roads of Marlow wouldn't cope, Wycombe can cope as not many would drive through the main town anyway.”
This was a point that Marlow Town Council also made when asked about pedestrianising the town centre.
A spokesman said: “We understand that High Wycombe has plans to pedestrianise its town centre roads in order to encourage outdoor dining and music.
“Marlow is a very different town and much smaller, with only one main street, so difficult to close.
“We also know from past history and recent retailer research that closing the High Street would impact our shops and businesses when they are just re-opening.”
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Whether the relief roads could handle the closure of the High Street if it ever was pedestrianised would be the main logistical question.
On the topic, another Marlow resident added: “Lovely idea, but not practical, there aren’t any relief roads.
“Wycombe has Castle Street running parallel.
“Our residential roads cannot handle the diverting traffic.”
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