Shared space plan exactly what city centre needs

Watching the transition of the square from, basically, a car park to a multi-purpose area was, in my opinion, a big step forwards for the image of the city.

The city plays host to thousands of foreign tourists over the course of the year.

Many nationalities must have been horrified at the sight of the old square and the non-stop grind of traffic making it’s way through what really should be a shopping and leisure area.

In the early days of the square’s completion I hoped that the area would be turned into something more like the squares that can be found in many European cities.

I had envisaged, people sitting outside enjoying the good weather, taking some refreshment and making good use of the area.

Whilst this does happen on the opposite side to Blue Boar Row there is still the drone of traffic and the roar of half-empty buses in the background plus the everpresent smell of exhaust fumes.

I am sure the plans are a big step in the right direction. I am a little concerned for the “shared space” idea – car drivers will always think they have the right of way over other transport.

Hopefully this concept will be widened and all traffic will be banned from the whole area around the square making it a clean and enjoyable place to be.

So come on SDC, be brave and push the traffic further out of the city and create a user-friendly environment.

BARRY ANTHONY Salisbury