BISHOP'S Waltham will be doing its bit to lower its carbon footprint this autumn.

The Parish Council's tourism and environment committee has agreed with the Chamber of Trade to close Bishop's Waltham High Street to traffic on Saturday, September 20, from 9am-5pm as part of European Mobility Week (September 16-22).

European Mobility Week was established in 2002 after two successful "In town without my car day" events organised by the European Union.

There will be signs warning motorists on the way into town of the High Street closure.

Parish Councillor, and vice-chair of the tourism and community committee, Rona Pickering said: "The traders are really excited about it because it means they can bring out their shops onto the High Street with stalls.

"We would like as many visitors as possible on September 20 to experience what the High Street has to offer. It is important to have a day like this.

"As a small market town we want to be part of European Mobility Week and for people to experience the High Street without the hustle and bustle of traffic.

"We want to get people to think about whether it is something they would like on a permanent basis, rather than us as a parish council telling people what they want.

"If the people of Bishop's Waltham say they would like the High Street without traffic we would certainly discuss it, but at the moment this event is to show people what it could be like."

Andrew Grover, chairman of the Bishop's Waltham Chamber of Trade and owner of the butchers in the High Street, said: "We are looking forward to the day. It will be a different type of day where Bishop's Waltham can say it's doing its bit to lower our carbon foot print and we are also hoping it will attract people to the village.

"As far as the possibility of the High Street being pedestrianised on a permanent basis goes, traders would not be in favour of that as some of the buildings are very old and don't have a rear access for deliveries, so lorries need to come to the front of the shops."

For more information call the parish council office on 01489 892323.

*What do you think of the idea? Would you like to see the High Street closed to traffic permanently?

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