Traders fear loss of parking in Hungerford town centre ‘piazza’ plans

A ROW is brewing after controversial plans for a continental-style piazza for Hungerford town centre were revived.

The idea was first suggested more than a decade ago by former town mayor Martin Crane.

He revived it in 2021, stating he believed the town must embrace major change in order to thrive in future.

But the proposal triggered protest from several traders, who opposed the inevitable loss of parking.

Recently, however, a Hungerford town centre steering group, which includes town councillors, trustees of the Town and Manor and some local businesses, has considered the proposal anew.

Minutes of a meeting earlier this year state: “[Town councillor] Alistair Fyfe gave a presentation on some potential options for a piazza-type space in front of Hungerford Town Hall.

“These options considered how many car parking spaces would be lost through the project.

“The members of the group voted on option B as the most preferable, which included losing four car parking spaces outside of the Town Hall to create a piazza space, however not ruling other options out.”

That has caused consternation among some traders.

At a full town council meeting on Monday night, November 4, Susan Hofgartner of Below Stairs of Hungerford antiques in High Street, told councillors: “I understand the High Street steering group is planning to lose four premier parking spaces.

“Are councillors prepared to lose these valuable parking spaces in the town?

“I know traders overwhelmingly don’t support this.

“Why has the [steering] group continued to discuss this?

She asked for a show of hands of those in favour but town councillor Richard Hudson interjected: “It seems to me a bit sad that this has created quite a bit of antagonism.

“After all, one of [the steering group’s] key objectives is to encourage trade to the town.

“I would urge everyone to bring it down a peg, from what I’m hearing.”

Mrs Hofgartner asked councillor Fyfe: “Do you think it’s acceptable to lose four spaces?”

He replied: “I think it’s acceptable to have plans drawn up; it might be one space or four.

“Until we see the plans we don’t know.”

Town mayor Helen Simpson told Mrs Hofgartner: “You have my word that the town council doesn’t want to upset retailers that are so vital to this town.”

She stressed that the plans were hypothetical at this stage as West Berkshire Council had not agreed to fund them.