Call for u-turn over decision to remove controversial barriers from Fife town centre

Barriers placed on parking spaces along Market Street and South Street were taken away, only days after being put down, after fears were raised that they would hinder local businesses and make it more difficult for the elderly and disabled residents to spend time in the town centre.

The barriers had been put down by Fife Council as part of its Spaces for People scheme, aiming to make more room for pedestrians by using areas usually reserved for parking.

However, two groups have now criticised the decision to remove the barriers, saying that public health needs to valued higher than the needs of businesses.

David Middleton, chairman of St Andrews Confederation of Residents Associations (CSARA) described the decision as “worrying”.

“The removal of some of the measures intended to assist physical distancing without more suitable arrangements being put in place is most worrying,” he said.

“There were few fans of the ugly plastic blocks which appeared overnight, and disappeared as quickly in Market Street, but at least they were a belated attempt to make more space for pedestrians.

“The situation has been made worse for residents and visitors alike by the intrusion of marques and seating spilling onto public footpaths. These large tents force pedestrians to divert onto on narrow taped off sections of roadway. making it impossible to observe physical distancing rules.

“There are many better ways in which physical distancing could have been achieved on our streets, and we have made a number of constructive suggesting to Fife Council. Let’s hope they are listening.”

Another member of the group, Professor Richard Olver, emeritus professor of child health and a town centre resident, said he was “shocked” the barriers had been taken down without consultation.

He added: “Prioritising business interests at the expense of the health needs of the public is surely wrongheaded. After all, neither residents nor visitors will want to shop in the town centre if they do not feel safe.”

His comments were echoed by Tony Waterston, the chairman of the St Andrews Space for Cycling group, which was involved in the initial consultation about active travel changes to the town.

“We support the need for urgent measures in response to Covid-19,” he said.

“We supported widening the pavements, and that meant taking away parking.

“I really want to emphasise that we are not looking at this permanently, but as a public health measure temporarily.”

Mr Waterston said he was “shocked” at the negative reaction to the barriers.

He added: “Based on evidence, it’s a myth that removing parking spaces affects trade. We feel it is being exaggerated by traders.

“We were calling for these changes – not for cyclists, but for public health.

“The short term issue is the health of the public. We’re working with other groups on this – we’re not using it to get what we want later.”

Mr Waterston said he had suggested that a park and ride system be introduced at the West Sands car park, using the land train to take locals and tourists into the town centre.

He also backed calls for a 20mph speed limit in the town centre – a measure which has previously been called for by Councillor Jane Ann Liston.

“We don’t think there’s an argument against it,” he added.