Lavenham High Street barriers to be taken down

Barriers that sprung up next to the pavement on Lavenham High Street are set to be taken down.

Suffolk Highways, a division of the county council, put the waist-high white fences up yesterday (Tuesday) to ensure distance between pedestrians by keeping cars from encroaching.

This afternoon (Wednesday, June 17) the authority said the barriers would be removed but cones would remain in place to stop parking in some areas.

The county council did not say in its statement why the barriers would be removed other than 'to suit local conditions'.

Councillor Margaret Maybury, who represents Lavenham for Babergh District Council, said: "The barriers are being taken down but the traffic cones will remain.

"This is to stop traffic from parking in areas where pedestrians may step off the footway to allow a change in position or pass another person.

"I am not surprised the barriers are being taken down. Residents should be safe and we need to (adapt to) do the best we can.

"Lavenham is in a unique position as a tourist attraction, and it can be very busy. We need to ensure local people are safe and have room to walk."

The team will begin to remove the barriers as soon as possible and this is expected to be completed today

A statement from the county council said the barriers were put up as part of work alongside Babergh District Council to create 'safer places' for centre reopenings.

“Temporary emergency measures are being implemented that are under constant review," the statement released today (June 17) read.

“The situation regarding the temporary emergency traffic management in High Street, Lavenham has been reviewed and is being adjusted to suit local conditions.

"As such the barriers will be removed, while the ‘no waiting’ cones will remain in place.

"The team will begin to remove the barriers as soon as possible and this is expected to be completed today."