The pedestrianisation of Hitchin town centre will be made permanent following a lengthy consultation, Hertfordshire County Council has announced.

The decision means High Street and Market Place will continue to be closed to motor traffic from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday - although some minor changes to loading arrangements will be made.

The High Street Recovery Scheme was introduced in the summer of 2020 to allow more space for social distancing during COVID-19, and to encourage people to return to the town centre after the lockdowns

Following a consultation, 70 per cent of respondents were in favour of the programme being made permanent, with one citing how the town centre "feels much more buzzy and the freedom to walk in the centre without worrying about cars, their noise and exhausts is a wonderful feeling.

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"It makes me love Hitchin even more," they continued.

The scheme has been implemented by Hertfordshire County Council and North Herts Council, together with Hitchin BID.

Cllr Phil Bibby, executive member for highways and transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "Although we originally introduced these road closures to help during the pandemic, the friendlier and safer environment they’ve created in Hitchin town centre has proved popular and it’s no surprise that most people want to keep the project in place.  

"We’ve aimed to strike a balance allowing access to the High Street for deliveries and for those who rely on a car to get around before 10am and after 4pm, but also opening up space during the day for everyone to enjoy.

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"It is essential that we continue to support local businesses by investing in high quality, people-friendly streets and spaces.

"By making these measures permanent, we will create a much safer and more attractive environment and enable more people to walk, wheel and cycle in and around the town centre.

"It is important that we all do our bit to address the climate emergency and improve air quality in Hitchin, as well as supporting our local businesses wherever possible."