'Party street' closed to cut down violence
The first experimental closure of Northampton's busiest party street has marked the launch of an annual Christmas crackdown on drink-related violence and disorder.
Bridge Street, in the town centre, was completely closed off to traffic for the first time on Saturday in the hope of reducing fights among revellers and cutting the risk of accidents.
As part of Operation Nuthall, high-visibility police patrols have also been stepped up, and unannounced spot-checks of licensed premises will be carried out by officers.
Sgt Mark Worthington, Northamptonshire Police's lead on community safety, has been campaigning for the pedestrianisation of Bridge Street for more than two years.
He said: "We have consulted with all the businesses in Bridge Street, as well as the residents in Woolmonger Street, bus companies and taxi drivers.
"Overall, the response we received was very positive. No-one was outright against the idea, but people did have concerns.
"Residents in Woolmonger Street were worried it would increase traffic around there, but that is something we will monitor."
Temporary taxi ranks and drop-off points have been set up near Bridge Street, which will be closed to traffic from 8pm to 4am every Friday and Saturday night throughout Christmas and the New Year.
Cars already parked in Bridge Street which need to leave after the road has been closed will be directed through Angel Street, while restrictions on The Drapery will be lifted during the closure to allow general traffic away from the town centre.
If successful, the experimental order will be extended to allow the scheme to continue indefinitely.
Sgt Worthington said: "We hope that by giving people more space, we will reduce the risk of incidents escalating in queues and in the pathways.
"It is very narrow along Bridge Street, and incredibly busy on Fridays and Saturdays. When you combine the high spirits and alcohol consumption with traffic, which often moves very fast up Bridge Street, it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident."
Speaking towards the end of the closure early on Sunday morning, Sgt Worthington told the Chronicle & Echo: "I am really pleased with how it has gone.
"There may be a few teething problems which will take time to bed in, but the closure seems to have gone very well."
A public meeting to allow people to have their say on the pedestrianisation will take place in the New Year.
For a full feature on the first night of Operation Nuthall, see tomorrow's Chron.
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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