Agenda item
Motion B: Local Economy - Proposed by Councillor Mark Johnson, Seconded by Councillor Jane Doughty.
This Council recognises the importance of supporting local businesses in Witney and West Oxfordshire. Given the difficult economic climate local businesses on the Witney High Street in particular are facing, this Council calls on the Leader to write to the Cabinet Member for Highways Management at Oxfordshire County Council, calling for a full review and further consultation into the vehicle restrictions currently in place.
Council Resolves to:
1. Instruct the Leader of the Council to write to the Cabinet Member for Highways Management at Oxfordshire County Council, calling for a full review and further consultation into the vehicle restrictions currently in place.
Minutes:
Councillor Mark Johnson introduced and proposed the motion, which would recognise the importance of supporting local businesses in Witney and West Oxfordshire, given the difficult economic climate local businesses on the Witney High Street in particular were facing.
The motion to the Council would call on the Leader to write to the Cabinet Member for Highways Management at Oxfordshire County Council, to undertake a full review and further consultation into the vehicle restrictions that were currently in place.
In debate, it was highlighted that the High Street in Witney was not closed, but that it was fully open. No reductions of openings have been made and the High Street was still a very welcoming place for people to go about their daily business.
There was no deterrent to the public in coming to Witney, and reminders were given that there was extensive free car parking in the town for users of the town centre to make use of.
Several members stated that they were disappointed that the motion had been brought forward, and that it was a waste of time, given that the High Street had only been closed to through traffic.
Emphasis was given to the historic trading styles that Witney had seen over generations, and that the town would remain the most key town for trading in the district for years to come.
The current arrangements did increase trade, footfall, aid the night time economy and provides opportunities to unique events that could take place on the High Street itself – events that would not be able to take place if through traffic was allowed to be reinstated.
The current arrangements maintained a vibrant, engaging town centre that helped both businesses and residents, especially with the recovery post-Covid-19.
It was also highlighted that the term ‘closed’ isn’t necessarily the right thing to say. There were several contributions stating that the consultation on the current arrangements would need to be brought forward, so that quick progress could be made.
Members were keen to stress that shopping habits had changed recently and that the current arrangements reflected such habits.
Many Members were also keen point out that Witney was a beautiful town in its own right, and that the current arrangements help protect that viewpoint.
Councillors were in agreement that work needs to be done, and done effectively, but that views needed to be sought as to how improvements could be made, and how access could be addressed & improved.
Concerns of safety were also raised and that the safety of other road users, such as cyclists would be compromised should the current arrangements be undone.
Suggestions were also made that would see Corn Street be made one way, and that the High Street should be fully pedestrianised, which would also help deal with current issues that were being faced.
In summing up the debate, Councillor Johnson thanked members for their contributions, and for adding great effectiveness to the debate. Councillor Johnson stated that the debate had been lively in parts, but was keen to point out that it was a good thing, although the exercise hadn’t been executed particularly well.
The issue of ‘closure’ of the High Street was a perception, not a reality, and the motion would go some way to rectifying the perceptions of the public.
The longer the project went on, the more risk of an accident further down the line.
Councillor Mark Johnson proposed that the motion be adopted by Council. This was seconded by Councillor Jane Doughty and was put to a vote. There were 18 votes in favour, and 24 votes against with 1 abstention. The motion was defeated.