26 January 2010

Historic core proposals get green light

Proposals to improve Carlisle's historic core were approved by Cumbria County Councillors yesterday which will allow an exciting reconstruction of Castle Street.

The scheme will see wider pavements, new artist-designed seating, and footpaths repaved in local Lazonby sandstone which will aim to create a better pedestrian environment and to draw visitors and shoppers into the area.

A special loading zone will also be introduced on this section of Castle Street, Market Street, St Mary's Gate, and Fisher Street up to the junction with Market St.

Plans for the historic core include:

• The special loading zone will apply from 8:30am to 6pm every day and means that vehicles may not park in these streets except in marked bays where motorists can load/unload heavy goods or allow passengers to be dropped off or picked up. This loading/pick up bay will be provided on the Hoopers side of Castle Street and bays for blue badge holders on St Mary's Gate.
•  Yellow lines will be removed from the Cathedral side of Castle Street.
•  Loading restrictions will be introduced as planned on West Walls from Victoria Viaduct to Heads Lane; but West Walls will remain open to traffic.
•  Fisher Street will become two-way between Market Street and Spinner's Yard.
•  A motorcycle parking area will be established on Castle Street near its junction with Finkle Street.
•  Castle Street will become one-way.

The one hour disc parking will remain in Finkle Street and Abbey Road, as will the yellow lines.

Cllr John Mallinson, chair of Carlisle local committee, said: "I'm very pleased that's its happening - we've gone away and listened to people's concerns and and modified the proposals appropiatley. I am confident this will prove to be an important step in the renaissance of the city.

"The plans will allow the historic core of the city to be more pedestrian friendly and show off Carlisle's important cultural quarter to visitors to the city as well as locals."