A SERIES of feedback sessions have been planned following the Cathedral Close traffic flow experiment that took place in August.

Throughout the four week trial High Street Gate was closed to traffic during the afternoons with vehicles using St Ann’s Gate on Exeter Street instead.

Although there have been some criticisms about the signage put in place for the scheme, which led to confusion for some motorists, senior figures at Salisbury Cathedral say they have received many positive comments too.

Canon treasurer, Reverend Sarah Mullally said: “We are very pleased to have received so much positive anecdotal feedback during the month-long trial, and are looking forward to gathering together all the learning as we go through the review.

“Certainly the volume of traffic in the Close appeared to be lower than usual and it was great to see pedestrians visiting the Close having such easy access.

“It can be difficult to try new things so we certainly see the completion of the trial as a success and are very grateful for the help we received from Wiltshire Council’s traffic team to ensure it ran smoothly.

“It was also helpful to host members of Salisbury City Council’s planning and transportation committee who paid a visit to the Close to see the scheme in action. However, we also know that there is a minority of Cathedral Close residents who are strongly and actively opposed to any change to access routes so we need to ensure that their concerns, and those expressed by other stakeholders, are understood.”

With even more visitors expected to visit the cathedral in the coming year for the Magna Carta celebrations, the trial was designed to gather information about ways to reduce traffic volumes in the Cathedral Close and improve safety.

The cathedral and its traffic management consultants – ADL Consulting – are now reviewing the data gathered during the trial and have scheduled feedback opportunities for various stakeholder groups during September to inform a report which will be produced in late October.

Before drawing any conclusions the cathedral will host a number of feedback session along with a questionnaire survey of Cathedral Close Residents and others living nearby.

Members of the public, or those who are unable to attend feedback meetings but wish to register their views, can email j.lever@salcath.co.uk with comments.

Feedback sessions are scheduled for: Close residents: Monday, September 15 at 1.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm and 4.00pm in Salisbury Cathedral Chapter Office, Conference Room, 6 The Close.

High St Businesses: Monday September 22 at 5.30pm Salisbury Cathedral Chapter Office, Conference Room, 6 The Close.

Salisbury City Council Planning and Transportation Committee, Guildhall Salisbury Monday September 22 7pm The Sarum Partnership Tuesday, September 23.