Council bosses open to improving areas for pedestrians

It comes after Wolverhampton Council installed bollards within its city centre to protect shoppers, workers and people out and about.

Sandwell Council said it could look at "extending pedestrianised areas where this is a practical option" within the borough.

A consultation recently ran looking at improving walking and cycling in Blackheath town centre, Wednesbury town centre and Bearwood High Street.

The council has already brought in measures to encourage walking and social distancing in Oldbury and Smethwick, where footpaths have been temporarily widened and one-way systems have been introduced. Work is currently under way on new permanent cycling lanes in both towns. There are already pedestrianised areas in West Bromwich High Street and Union Street, Wednesbury.

Dudley Council said it has already pedestrianised some town centres, such as Dudley and Halesowen, but it is always looking at ways of making "further improvements", without specifying what they could be be.

Walsall Council said it has "no plans to further pedestrianise" retail space in Walsall, but is looking at ways to "improve pedestrian experience". The council did not elaborate further.

Sandwell Council's transport boss Jackie Taylor said: "The council continues to develop plans for improvements in town centres that support priorities such as active and sustainable travel choices.

"Our plans will include measures to encourage more walking and cycling including better pedestrian safety and more walking space.

"This could include an extension of pedestrian areas where this is a practical option."

Councillor Maria Crompton, interim leader of the council, added: "We have already taken steps that are encouraging walking and supporting social distancing in town centres."

Dudley councillor Karen Shakespeare, who is the cabinet member for public realm, said: "Some of our main centres, such as Dudley and Halesowen already have areas that are pedestrianised, but we will always continue to look at further improvements that will help pedestrians move around more easily, and this could involve a range of options."

Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council and portfolio holder for economy and environment, said: "Walsall Council has no plans to further pedestrianise retail space in Walsall Borough.

"We are looking at a range of new measures to improve the pedestrian experience in the town centre."