Urgent business meeting on Oxfordshire market place plan

The meeting on the Wantage business area will take place at 7.45am tomorrow, Thursday, June 11, at Marmalade Café with all local retailers, business owners and stakeholders invited.

It comes after Oxfordshire County Council said it would be launching a new consultation for the town’s market place from midday, today (Wednesday, June 10).

READ MORE: Plan to create ‘vibrant and accessible’ Oxfordshire market place announced

Although, the new designs have not yet been published, fears have been expressed in the past that they will see further pedestrianisation in the central hub.

Richard Shepherd, president of the Wantage Chamber of Commerce, which is hosting the meeting, has said any improvements must be “carefully considered”.

He said: “Wantage has a thriving and vibrant town centre that attracts people from across the Vale.

Richard Shepherd, president of Wantage Chamber of Commerce (Image: NQ)

“Whilst everyone wants to see improvements to the Market Place, it is important that any changes are carefully considered and do not unintentionally harm the businesses that help make the town so successful.

“We want to ensure the voices of local retailers and residents are heard before any decisions are made.”

Wantage Chamber of Commerce added that concerns have been expressed regarding a potential loss of parking spaces which could discourage visitors.

The birthplace of legendary monarch King Alfred the Great, the Oxfordshire town welcomes thousands of visitors from surrounding areas and further afield and there are fears the plans could impact retailers, hospitality businesses and the wider local economy.

Gridlock fears as new town identified as ‘opportunity’ for 13,000 homes (Image: Councillor Gareth Epps)

Announcing the upcoming consultation, the county council’s member for transport said the plans are not final, but that the local authority wants to make it a better place to spend time for shopping, leisure or business.

In addition, the council is aiming to support business by improving loading facilities and to encourage sustainable travel including walking, wheeling and cycling.

Cllr Gareth Epps said: “It was wonderful that we received such a wealth of feedback and inspiration from so many people last year.

Western part of Market Place (Image: Ed Nix)

“I am delighted to see how this has been realised in a draft design to support better active travel opportunities and create a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible town centre in Wantage, which is safer for residents and visitors.

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“We want this plan to truly reflect local community needs and ideas, as well as support an increase in the size of the market and enable more community events.

“I am very much looking forward to hearing how people find the designs and what adjustments can be made.

“We are working hard to make sure the final designs are not only practical but also accessible for everyone.”

The survey will run for four weeks from June 10 to 11.59pm on Wednesday, July 8.