WORK on plans which could include the pedestrianisation of parts of a Southampton neighbourhood are underway.  

New proposals to reduce crime and improve road safety in Bedford Place, Carlton Place and Winchester Street are set to be unveiled next spring.

Some city leaders said they hope that the pedestrianisation of the area will be considered.

Cllr Jeremy Moulton, cabinet member for growth, said an evening road closure in Bedford Place remains “a possibility” – as previously announced earlier this year.

But detailed proposals will be drawn up in the coming months following several meetings of the so-called Bedford Place Co-design Working Group.

The group – which includes city councillors, residents, businesses and police bosses – was set up after the initial pedestrianisation of Bedford Place divided public opinion.

As reported, Bedford Place and Carlton Place were closed to traffic last year to allow outdoor seating for local bars and restaurants.

But Bedford Place was reopened in July this year after some businesses said the road closure hit trade.

However, some residents called for the road to remain closed and civic chiefs pledged to work on wider plans for the area.

Work on new proposals is now under way and residents are expected to have their say on the final plans.

Cllr Moulton said the group will look at measures to tackle begging and commercial thefts in the area and to improve road safety.

He said there are no plans for the pedestrianisation of Bedford Place.

But he added: “The option of evening closure is on the table as we previously said.”

However, he stressed that the move would need the support of residents and businesses and would require camera enforcement.

Carlton Place could also remain a pedestrian area and could benefit from further investment.

Giles Semper, executive director of GO! Southampton, the Business Improvement District (BID), said the road closure in Carlton Place has been a “success” and “should be retained and upgraded”.

He added: “With Bedford Place a compromise can surely be found, perhaps with temporary barriered closures in the evenings and at weekends. With a plan and some ambition I believe we can reverse some of the decline in a street such as Bedford Place and make it a ‘cool’ destination.”

Bargate councillor Sarah Bogle said she hopes that pedestrianisation is considered as part of the proposals.

Cllr John Noon, member of the Bedford Place Working Group, added: “I am hoping that the Working Group can come up with some fresh ideas that would go out for wider consultation that would help this unique part of the city to grow and achieve it full potential, which could include pedestrianization.”

The group is set to meet regularly until February 2022.