The existing pavement layout outside of the New Coop is a mixture of the old pavement remaining from Hankins Garage and a temporary new surface of tarmacadam laid to allow access to the New Coop when it opened. An opportunity now exists to implement improvements to upgrade this external pavement and that of the adjacent shops. This will improve facilities for pedestrians, shoppers and enhance the vitality and viability of the retail centre of our town.

The design is intended to rationalise the Town Centre parking and simultaneously allow pedestrians more space.

Various options for parking have been discussed with Winchester City Council, The Alresford Society and The Coop and the layout shown on this plan is the only one that meets traffic safety standards.

The improvements planned for the front of the Co-op have received broad approval from residents following their public display. Suggestions for minor amendments were received and most of these have been incorporated in the scheme.

In addition to these pavement/parking improvements it is also proposed to alter the line of the kerb at the junction of West Street and Jacklyns Lane. This will slow turning traffic, by creating a sharper corner.

The scheme indicated on the drawing is intended to form the first phase of the complete upgrading of West Street. The next phase of this work may be the improvement of the pavement, steps and landscaping outside of the Alders and old Coop. After much discusion a decision has been taken to leave the existing bus stop where it is.

The integrated plans for the overall design for the improvement of the south side of West Street from Station Road to Jacklyns Lane can be viewed here.