PLANS to pedestrianise Kid-lington High Street took a step forward as members of the public were invited to have their say.

A new draft traffic Regulation Order (TRO) would pedestrianise the High Street between Oxford Road and Watts Way between 10am to 4.30pm seven days a week.

This proposal comes after a six-week consultation when pedestrianisation was overwhelmingly backed by shoppers and traders.

Cherwell District Council has now opened up the proposal to public consultation for the next month.

Maurice Billington, district councillor for Kidlington South, said: “We have taken on board as many views as possible and believe the end result reflects the desires of those who live in Kidlington.

“This change should improve things for both traders and their customers who will benefit from a traffic-free environment for the core shopping period of each day.”

The proposal was put forward in 2009 when the Kidlington Village Centre Management Board and Kidlington Parish Council app-roached the district council for support in pedestrianising the High Street.

David Cox, who owns Freelance Fabrics in High Street, said: “It might make the road safer and bring more people to Kidlington.”

A previous order, introduced in 1981 and still technically in force, was not effective in banning traffic from entering High Street. It is hoped the new TRO will sort out legal loopholes which mean police cannot fully enforce the rules.

Chris Pack, chairman of the Kidlington Village Centre Management Board, said: “The cars cause absolute havoc. The last consultation showed overwhelming support for it.”

news@oxfordmail.co.uk * Details of the TRO can be seen at the council’s headquarters at Bodicote House, near Banbury, and Exeter Hall and Kidlington Library, both in Oxford Road, Kidlington, until July 21. They can also be viewed on the council’s website at cherwell.gov.uk/regeneration