Background

After the experience of the barriers in the town we launched a review of the way that our roads and pavements are laid out and traffic ismanaged, and the effects that this has. The challenge is to reconcile the wish for people to be safe, in a pleasant environment, which encourages footfall, with space for sitting, meeting and events on the one hand, with the need for access and parking on the other.

The Review

The Emsworth Residents Association (ERA), working with Mike Ridley from the Emsworth Community Land Trust (ECLT) , commissioned Helyer Davies, Architects, based in Emsworth, to conduct a review and produce a drawing which would be a basis for discussion, consultation,and hopefully some action, to improve the centre of Emsworth.

Key Proposals

Enlarging the paved area in the Town Square (2) to make more safe space for pedestrians, and to encourage outdoor dining, markets and events. This would involve making the whole of South Street two way (3), as it was when the barriers were up.

Making the road through the town one way. This would reduce traffic through the town, allow the widening of pavements and redress the balance between traffic and people in the town.

The entrance into the town could landscaped to make a desirable entrance the town (1), framing buildings with historical interest while hiding less desirable buildings (15)

The junction between Queen Street and the A259, could also be landscaped including seating with views across the Slipper Mill Pond (11), and increased pavement width alongside water’s edge to encourage pedestrian use (12).

It would still preserve short term parking, which is important, and allow shops to receive deliveries. The issue of a 20 mph speed limit in the town was not in the brief as this was not a traffic survey, but it would also help to achieve traffic calming. More residents and visitors are cyclists, and making safe space for them, as well as more cycle racks, would encourage people to cycle into the town.

These proposals would create attractive entrances into the town and encourage residents and visitors to spend time here, and would help our businesses to continue to thrive, particularly in these difficult times.

The main drawback of this proposal is that the 700 Bus which currently goes through the town one way only would not be able to do this, which would require new bus stops at the Queen Street End (8), and at the end of West Street (9), near the new Surgery.

South Street The plan also proposed changes in the South Street Car Park, with increased numbers of accessible parking spaces (4), temporary market space within South Street Car park (5), and redesigning the public toilet to create a more desirable building and facilities. (6).

Discussion

These proposals are intended to be the basisfor consultation with the Residents and Businesses in Emsworth, and for preliminary discussions with our Councillors about their feasibility.

Please send your comments to: Theo Schofield chairman.era@outlook.com

The Ems October 2020
Emsworth Residents Association ©2020