THE weekend saw the first full pedestrianisation of The Square in Winchester city centre.

Between Boots and Great Minster Street the road was closed to all vehicles apart from bicycles.

Local businesses took the opportunity to put tables and chairs out onto the road – and residents and visitors flocked to use them.

City councillor Martin Tod who worked with city and county council officers, as well as local residents and businesses to develop the plan said: "We had two glorious days at the weekend and it was good to see so many people returning to the centre.

"It was particularly good to see people enjoying the Square on Saturday and Sunday. It's taken a huge amount of work to make this happen – but looking at the results, it's definitely been worth it."

This is the latest change to the 12 month temporary scheme in place in Great Minster Street and The Square.

Green campaigners have been arguing for the move for more than 20 years.

Last month the Chronicle reported on the closure of the road, which has been a popular rat run through the city for years. The online story attracted many comments; some in support and others against.

One person said: "It really does seem that parking in the centre is now the preserve of the great and the good while the plebs get to sit at tables and eat cake after walking in."

But another commented: "Brilliant news it's been closed. As mentioned, there are plenty of other means to access the city centre - bus, train, park and ride, cycle, walk.

"With the move to online shopping, the future of these city centre locations is will be experience lead such as drinking, dining, socialising etc."

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