WIDER pavements, removing on street parking and a 20 mile an hour speed limit are just some of the proposals made by Highcliffe and Walkford parish councillors to improve their high street.

Highcliffe ward councillors have outlined their vision for how to improve Lymington Road, Highcliffe’s high street, after carrying out a Highway Improvements Study with Engineering Consultants Paul Basham Associates.

Having hosted their first public consultation on Monday September 14 at the Old School House with 60 residents in attendance, the council are preparing to meet with BCP Council to discuss the viability of their proposal.

Vice chairman of the Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council Andy Martin said: “I have been leading a study into the use of Lymington Road and the necessary changes needed to help revitalise the high street.

“We have been looking at this for a year of so now. For a little parish, and with the types of changes that we suggested, it is a big deal for the area.

“We have had dozens and dozens of people get in touch with us regarding the proposals and we are really heartened by the response that we have had from residents.”

Some of the proposals include the removal of all on-street and layby parking and remove the dominance of the motor vehicle, with the exception of two disabled bays.

The proposal also includes the provision of a continuous six-metre-wide road, to reduce ability for vehicles to overtake cyclists, and the speed limit to be reduced from 30mph to 20mph.

Alongside this, the footway width on the northern side of the carriageway may be increased to help pedestrians and facilitate additional place making features.

Aside from travel related issues, the ward council will also look to create a pollinator garden and install fresh gateway entrance features at both ends of the high street.

The ward councillors from the Highcliffe and Walkford area are due to have another discussion tomorrow, where they will then look to sit down with BCP Council and go through their proposal at length.

Cllr Martin added: “There are lot of little things that can be changed to make the high street better for residents and visitors to the area, for example, the state of the pavements is not very good.

“We are looking to facilitate a café culture along our high street so widening the pavements would not only help shop owners, but customers and pedestrians.

“It is the second most important high street in the Christchurch area after Christchurch. With what we are proposing, it can really transform the area and help revitalise the high street.”

To find out more about the Revitalising Highcliffe High Street campaign, visit https://highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk/.