PLAN TO REVIEW HOW BRIGG PEDESTRIAN AREA WORKS AMID CONCERNS ABOUT VEHICLES AND CYCLES

A review of the pedestrian area in Brigg town centre is on the cards, the Annual Town Meeting heard.
Many residents and people who shop in the town centre will see that as a very welcome development.
Concerns have been expressed over many years about the number of vehicles and cyclists seen within a zone that's meant to be kept clear for shoppers to enjoy without having to step aside. There have also been calls to clarify the criteria for disabled badge holders parking within the pedestrian area.
This topic was raised by Brigg resident Ken Harrison during the 'public forum' part of the Annual Town Meeting, held on Monday evening.
He called for a review, pointing to confusion over which types of vehicles are permitted inside the zone and where cyclists need to dismount.
Ken explained the pedestrian area had been created in 1994, when Humberside County Council was still the local highway authority.
He spoke of things having failed, with categories of people entering the zone who were not authorised to do so.
"The whole system needs a total review to bring it up to date," he added.
Coun James Truepenny agreed that cycling in the pedestrian area had "become an issue" and reminded people that although North Lincolnshire Council wardens could deal with parked vehicles, if they were moving it was a matter for the police.
Coun Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council which has been responsible for highways and the pedestrian area since Humberside's demise in 1996, said there was widespread concern about cycling in the zone.
He revealed that his authority had been asked to look at a review, to be accompanied by consultation. He also spoke of re-examining the permit system.
Coun Waltham said this "scope" was being put together, and there was a need to work with the police in terms of enforcement.
However, he stressed: "Nobody wants to see shops closed because they can't get their stock."
PICTURED: A sign on Cary Lane, Brigg, explaining that no vehicles are permitted within the pedestrian area except for permit holders and for loading purposes.