Improvements to the High Street are being proposed by Barnet Council with the aim of making the local shopping experience more enjoyable and providing more space for an “outdoor restaurant and café culture”.
Members of the Chipping Barnet Town Team support these plans which involve widening the pavement between the Post Office and The Spires and encourage local residents to respond by Thursday 20th April when the public consultation period ends. You can see detailed plans on the council website and for more information visit the Barnet Society website or the Love Barnet Facebook page. There are lively discussions about the subject on both.
Details outlined on the Barnet Council website suggest “proposing to introduce new measures in and around Barnet High Street to create a safer environment for all road users and to enhance the road’s aesthetics. The proposal aims to increase pedestrian safety and increase the visibility of adjoining junctions at Union Street and Salisbury Road. In addition, it is expected that this will help traffic flow in the area.
The proposal incorporates the following measures:
- Removing much of the parking along the western side of the High Street, and widening the pedestrian footway to provide a safer and more enjoyable shopping experience.
- Upgrade of existing pedestrian crossings, with the added advantage of a shorter crossing width. This should also reduce queuing times at the crossing for motorists.
- Introduction of trees to both enhance the area and also have a beneficial effect on the air quality.
- Introduction of cycle stands to allow for safe cycle parking, and to promote sustainable transport. Benches are proposed to encourage people to stop in the area and enjoy the ambience of the rejuvenated High Street.”
Email responses to traffic.consultations@barnet.gov.uk (e.g. simply saying “Yes please”) or write to Traffic & Development, 11th Floor, Barnet House, Whetstone, London N20 0EJ.
It does really feel as though things are picking up on the High Street. Along with the redevelopment of The Spires, these improvements could be another positive step towards making our town centre a more lively and attractive place.
