Cars are to be banned in Wisbech Market Place between the hours of 7am and 4pm as part of a re-think by the town council.

The council says it has taken on board comments from the public and listened to recommendations from the county council.

Included in the proposals will be putting bollards back in place and double yellow lines and a weight limit imposed on Hill Street.

A town centre survey earlier this year called for a ‘car-free continental redesign’ which the council is hoping will be the outcome.

Town council leader Sam Hoy said: “We hope that this will provide a safe shopping area but also allow for disabled parking.

She said that traffic could still enter via Hill Street and leave via High Street and park in the disabled bays in these streets.

As part of a new look to the town the council is hopeful of providing physical enhancements such as a canopy, playground, tide clock, seating and water features.

“We went to consultation which 300 people responded to. Eighty per cent were in favour of our plans,” said Cllr Hoy.

One idea dropped by the town council was the thought of closing Hill Street to all vehicles, particularly because of the damage caused to footpaths and larger vehicles struggling to turn the corner.

Cllr Hoy said the idea concerned councillors as it was a big change from their original proposal as it would stop all disabled parking.

She said: “Because of this I asked us to re-consult. One-hundred people responded to the new consultation and it was about 60/40 in favour of the closure of extra roads.

“However, many of the comments were expressing how concerned people were about the loss of disabled parking. When the committee met and considered this we looked at this response to make our decision.

“We then came up with a compromise; we would put double yellow lines on Hill Street and have a weight limit which should alleviate county council concerns but still allow disabled people to enter and park.

“This does not mean there is no scheme; basically we have reverted back to the original scheme with the bollards to stop traffic through the market place but with an addition of double yellow lines on Hill Street and a weight limit. I hope this clarifies everything.”