Hungerford High Street security bollards a no go for Hungerford Town Council
Town councillors have objected to plans to install 11 steel bollards in Hungerford High Street.
The town council’s environment and planning committee considered its response to the application in respect of the Coin & Stamp Centre on Monday, May 13.
The applicant, Nigel Montgomery, wants them installed to protect his business.
A safe was stolen during a ram raid at the shop last December.
It was the second time the centre had been targeted – it was also raided in September, 2021.
The application states: “The proposed work will take place at 34A and 35A High Street.
“34A High Street is an end terrace, single storey commercial unit and 35A High Street is a mid-terrace commercial property.
“It is proposed to install 11 fixed, steel ram raid bollards on the edge of the pavement to the front of 34A and 35A High Street.
“They will be black in colour.
“The bollards will be placed in from the edge of the pavement and will not cause obstruction, hinder the movement of pedestrians or affect maneuverability of wheelchairs/ push prams.”
Nevertheless town councillor Stella Coulthurst expressed concern about obstructing wheelchairs or double prams.
Councillor Helen Armstrong pointed out that the highways authority had refused to install a bollard to protect The Plume pub nearby from repeated lorry strikes.
“And we need to see what they’d look like; they could be quite fundamental to how Hungerford looks,” she added.
Councillor James Cole said: “There’s a lack of information as to what these bollards would look like.
“And what would happen if they are no longer required in future?”
Town mayor Helen Simpson said: “I’m not against it in principle but there’s just too many unanswered questions for us to move forward.”
The final decision will rest with West Berkshire Council.
The committee voted to object, in its advisory capacity, on the grounds that insufficient information had been provided on the style of bollards proposed.
Meanwhile the proposals can be viewed in full, and commented on, by visiting the planning section of West Berkshire Council’s website and using the reference 24/00599/FUL.