PLANS to transform Market Place in Cirencester have been hotly debated.

There has been talk of overhauling Market Place for 50 years and on December 10 a decision will finally be made when Cotswold District Council’s planning committee meets to discuss the proposals.

Cirencester Town Council’s project would see the area outside the parish church pedestrianised to allow people to walk around the different shopping areas with more ease, and the new bigger space would be used for markets and other events.

Since the town council’s plans were published in the Standard last week, many people have commented on the scheme, with the majority in favour.

Cirencester resident Carol Hibbert said: “I think it’s a great idea for Cirencester and will bring in more tourists which would be good for the town.”

Another resident, Samantha Richardson, said she thought the plans were a good start but it “would be better if the whole town centre was pedestrianised”.

President of Cirencester Chamber of Commerce, Anthony Flynn, said the organisation was pleased to see some actual plans, but that members thought the scheme could look a bit more attractive.

“Our members voted overwhelmingly for the redevelopment, and we have an opportunity to embrace the continental ‘piazza’ culture and make this an outstanding place to spend some time, enjoy a coffee and some food, and perhaps see occasional entertainment like music or exhibitions, so why not just go for it?” he said.

And the Mayor of Cirencester, Joe Harris, said he thought the plans looked excellent “A lot of work has gone into them and we had a consultation last year where 65 per cent of the town supported these plans,” he said.

“It’s what the town’s people want. I think it’s great and I’m really looking forward to it happening.”

Some residents were dubious about the plans though, with Simon Allen saying he hoped the scheme would be considered in conjunction with the new cinema and student accommodation development, as well as the one in St James’ Place.

There would be fewer parking spaces in total in Market Place, with 18 for the public and four for disabled badge-holders, but they would all be available during market days, which is not currently the case with the existing 42 general spaces and four disabled bays.

This prompted resident Fran Martin to ask: “Where do we park? Maybe a multi-storey is in order?”

But Cllr Harris said the market place plans actually meant there would be more parking available generally.

“Two days a week they are all lost to the market anyway but now new parking spaces will be created which will be there seven days a week. We are actually retaining spaces,” he said.

The scheme would see traffic in Market Place flow two-way on the south side, and Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) would be asked to reduce the current speed limit of 20mph.

Traffic-lights at the junction of Market Place and Castle Street would be removed.

While Castle Street would become one-way, going east towards Market Place, to stop the current rat-run-style traffic flow.