A large part of Manchester's gay village is being turned into a
pedestrian-only area following support from residents and
businesses.
A busy stretch of Sackville Street is to be closed to cars during
weekend nights to improve road safety for people visiting the
area.
The street will be closed to traffic between its junctions with
Brazil Street and Richmond Street, creating a large pedestrianised
zone that also includes Canal Street.
The scheme is being set up following a trial in 2009 which was
supported by people visiting the village, as well as by businesses
and Greater Manchester Police who said it reduced the number of
road accidents and crimes in the area.
If given the go-ahead during next week's executive meeting, the
scheme will be set up by April next year, using money from the City
Council's parking service.
Bollards will be used to turn Sackville Street into a
pedestrianised area from 8pm-5.30am on Friday and Saturday nights
as well as on nights before bank holidays and during special
events. Emergency services vehicles will still have access to the
street.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council city centre
spokesman said: "Manchester's gay village attracts thousands of
people from all over the world to the city centre, and this scheme
will encourage even more visitors to come and enjoy the excellent
pubs and clubs we have on offer."
Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council's executive
member for the environment, said: "This scheme is needed to improve
road safety for people visiting that part of the city centre.
"The trial we held was a huge success, supported by residents,
businesses and the police, and we've since been tweaking the
original scheme to make sure we've got it right."
Greater Manchester Police Chief Inspector, John McNeil said: "This
is something that we would support. The pedestrianisation of
Sackville Street would add to the safety of the village and allow
people to enjoy the night life of the area while remaining
safe."
Andrew Stokes, chairman of the Village Business Association (VBA),
said: "The pedestrianisation of Sackville Street will have a
positive impact on thousands of people's experience of the gay
village as a leisure destination. The VBA supports the proposals
and looks forward to its introduction in 2012."
