MAJOR town-centre improvements for Petersfield came a step closer this week when Hampshire County Council signalled the go-ahead for the start of detailed design work after lengthy public consultation.

The work is part of a package of transport improvements planned for Petersfield through the Petersfield Area Transport Strategy, which was launched a year ago.

The detailed work which is about to get the go-ahead will aim to improve the historic core of the town centre, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists through a 20 mph zone.

The improvements for the town centre aim to reduce car speeds, improve safety and deter unwanted traffic.

The proposals also introduce other measures that will help to improve the appearance and environment of the High Street and The Square, with enhanced surfacing for footways and improved street lighting, street furniture and planting.

The recommendation to start the work follows public consultation earlier this year which included an exhibition and questionnaires.

The exhibition was attended by more than 300 members of the public over two days and a total of 186 questionnaires were returned.

County councillors were told this week that nearly 70 per cent of those who responded to the questionnaire were in favour of the 20 mph zone, believing it would reduce traffic speed.

But concerns were expressed over the visual impact of large number of 20 mph signs adding to the existing clutter in the area.

Proposals to widen the footway from St Peter's Road to The Square and improve street lighting were given the thumbs up by around 80 per cent.

The contentious scheme to make St Peter's Road one-way has been dropped by county council engineers.

More than 70 per cent of the questionnaires said they were in favour of widening the footways and narrowing the road in the High Street.

Several members of the public asked for a re-think of the plan to pedestrianise the High Street, but the county surveyor concluded: "Some local traffic is considered beneficial to retain a vibrant town centre, particularly in the evenings and at weekends."

Traders were concerned that there should be short-stay access to the shops as some relied on frontage parking for access by their delivery lorries.

But proposals for The Square, including retaining one-way traffic, widening footways and improving crossing points, were given an overwhelming vote of confidence with at least 76 per cent of replies agreeing to every plan for The Square.

County councillors were told this week that both Petersfield member John West and the central area community committee of East Hampshire District Council were supportive of the scheme.