CONTROVERSIAL plans to pedestrianise a shopping street may be shelved.

Bridport Town Council officers are to recommend that proposals for a trial closure of South Street are dropped at a meeting on Tuesday (November 21).

The move follows a consultation in which 69 per cent of respondents were against the closure, with 73 per cent of businesses and 76 per cent of visitors opposing the plans.

Other methods of improving traffic management in the town, like possible 20mph speed limits, a community bus service and extra parking may now be considered by the council.

Council leader, Cllr Sarah Williams said: "The results show a majority of respondents against the trial closure of South Street, a majority in favour of 20 mph speed limits and also provide a lot of other very interesting comments on traffic in the town including parking and public transport.

"The town clerk will report to the town council next week on the consultation and it will be for the council to agree the next steps.

"The report will though recommend that the trial closure not be considered as proposed and that the town council looks to bring together key stakeholders in the town including the chamber of trade to look at all the other possible options for traffic management in the town, including 20mph speed limits."

She added: "The town council is already working with partners looking at new community bus options and seeking to identify additional car parking spaces that could be utilised next summer and is keen to pick up the other issues that have been raised in the consultation."

Rob Mühl, managing director of Ocean Bathrooms and president of Bridport Business, the Chamber of Trade and Commerce for the town, said: "Bridport Business Chamber welcomes the positive outcome of the town centre consultation in support of South Street remaining fully open, mirroring the majority view of our members.

"We are optimistic the town council will respect the results of their survey and listen to the views expressed by Bridport residents, businesses and visitors alike, and would welcome the opportunity to discuss new proposals to further support and improve our unique town centre."

Mark Dicker - who runs the Animal House pet and animal supplies store in South Street and has been vocal in his opposition to the closure – cautiously welcomed the proposals.

He said: "It's good to hear that the council has listened to traders who have been overwhelmingly against these plans.

"Communication is vital, though, and we would very much like to set up a working group that will mean the council and business owners can be in direct and regular contact about this and other local issues."