MAJOR BRIGG SCHEME REVEALED TO THE PUBLIC

The Brigg town centre pedestrianised zone still prompts discussion a quarter-of-a-century after its final form (above) was revealed to the public.
Back then, some traders and townsfolk (Brigg Blog included) feared that removing through traffic would mean a large reduction in 'passing trade' purchases by motorists and that this loss would not be matched by the increased trade resulting from shoppers on foot  attracted by the new vehicle-free pedestrian area and removal of HGVs and cars pounding through Wrawby Street, Bigby Street and the Market Place.
Brigg Blog's archives include a newspaper cutting from January 22, 1993 centred on this large map outlining the Industrial Link Road  and Pedestrianisation.
The article was based on a leaflet produced jointly by Glanford Borough Council and Humberside County Council, then the local highway authority.
The leaflet told the public that by removing through traffic the scheme would create a new atmosphere "designed to encourage people to come to Brigg and to regenerate this traditional market town."
It said of the new pedestrian zone: "No vehicles will be allowed into this area at any time unless it is for the purposes of loading or unloading."
An obvious exception was made for the emergency services.
Some businesses did close post-pedestrianisation but short term losses have turned to gains in the medium and long terms.
So Brigg Blog and other doubters of the 1990s need to admit that our concerns were ill-founded.
However, those of us who have changed sides and now support pedestrianisation surely deserve to see the regulations set out 25 years ago being upheld in 2018.
Most of us who visit Brigg town centre continue to see cyclists and drivers flouting the regulations.
North Lincolnshire Council recently revealed that new CCTV cameras have been installed.
This came in response to comments made to us by a member of the public who questioned the efficiency of the system in gaining evidence of wrong-doing within the town centre.
CCTV cameras must record the scene in the pedestrian area when cars are there without just cause. So can  we expect action to be taken against the culprits whose number-plates are spotted?
The police should also play their part if they spot errant drivers while on patrol.
True this is not major crime but flouting regulations within Brigg's pedestrian area is contrary to rules put in place 25 years ago.
In its final section, the 1993 leaflet promised: "A new environment will be created within the town centre. The removal of the through traffic with its attendant noise, fumes and danger will result in a pleasant and attractive area for shoppers and visitors."
Cyclists and car drivers today need to bear those worthy aims in mind and stay out of the pedestrian area, which is meant for shoppers - on foot.