TRADERS have hit out at a “suicidal plan” for a village high street which they say would be “catastrophic” for business.

Businesses in Hurstpierpoint held a unanimous vote of no confidence in the parish council’s proposed improvement plan for the high street.

The group described it as “ill- judged”, “ill conceived” and a “disgraceful waste of money”.

Members of Hurst Traders Association said the plan has no provision for desperately needed permanent additional short-term parking near the high street.

They also claim insufficient consideration has been given to the estimated 60 lorry deliveries per day and said additional pinch points in the high street would contradict the traffic plans, which would lead to gridlock.

Ian Buckeridge, general manager of Fat Fish and a member of Hurst Traders Association, said: “At the same time as rejecting the parish council’s moribund proposals, the traders offered a sensible, low-cost, simple, effective, manageable and well-thought alternative improvement plan, but this has been pooh-poohed by the parish council.

“The association is committed to spare no energy in putting asunder the inept parish council plan which will be catastrophic to the businesses in the high street and entirely undermines the neighbourhood plan, wherein the same council seeks to promote the vibrancy of the high street as core to the life and soul of the community.”

David Hampson, owner of the New Inn pub, said: “We have put forward a balanced and well thought out alternative improvement plan that takes into account the real needs of high street businesses, one that will deal with the long-term parking needs of the village.

“One that not only provides a better environment to shop, drink and dine but one that also allows people to visit and park easily without creating more through traffic and one that allows residents and visitors to come to and pass through Hurstpierpoint easily and conveniently.”

Chairman of the parish council Stephen Hand said the plan was funded privately from a section 106 agreement.

He said: “I’m aware the traders have concerns, but the plan has been out for full consultation over the last two years and we’ve received no formal objections from anyone.

“I’ve written to the traders inviting them to voice their concerns so hopefully we will find a way forward.”

BACKGROUND

TRAFFIC in Hurstpierpoint High Street has been a problem for years.

In 2011 the parish council asked specialist consultants Stilwell Partnership to investigate and come up with some options for solving the problems.

A scheme, first exhibited in November 2012, was to ‘build-out’ the kerbline to prevent people from parking in unhelpful places.

The total cost of the scheme is estimated to be around £150,000 and the funding is expected to be a combination of contributions from the parish council, the county council and section 106 funds which come from the new developments in the village.