New traffic measures in town centre will create a ‘Costa Del Horsham’

Readers took to the County Times Facebook page to praise Horsham District Council’s decision to shut East Street, Market Square and Park Place to traffic between 10.30am and 10.30pm. Restaurants and cafes in the areas will be able to set out socially distanced tables and chairs in a bid to boost trade. The scheme is set to run until August 30.

Several readers praised the move as ‘excellent’ and ‘great’ while one said it would create a ‘Costa Del Horsham’.

Horsham Liberal Democrats welcomed the news of the closures.

A spokesman said: “These measures will make it easier for businesses, especially restaurants, to operate on the highway without safety risks.

“It will also allow for pedestrians to social distance with greater ease, reducing the risk of infection.”

Businesses will be allowed to receive deliveries as normal before 10.30am. Parking remains available in the nearby Piries Place car park, with accessible parking on the ground floor.

To support Horsham Markets, market stalls for crafts, collectibles, jewellery and non-food products will now trade from the Market Square to benefit from the increased footfall the town is experiencing in the area.

Cabinet Member for the Local Economy Cllr Paul Clarke said: “It’s great to be welcoming everyone back to the town and to see so many people reassured that Horsham is a safe place to be.

“We are sure that these additional traffic restriction steps will significantly improve the evening dining experience for customers in the East Street area and improve pedestrian flow. We are really excited to see our unique range of hospitality businesses finally able to re-open.”