But pedestrians will continue to giveway to delivery vehicles and motorcycle couriers

A much needed makeover of Barley Mow Passage has been given council go ahead. Following lenghty consultations with business owners, final plans have now been approved and the work, estimated to take between six and eight weeks to complete, is due to start on 12th May.

The first stage of the programme will be to construct footways outside the Barley Mow Public House, Voysey House and Sam’s Brasserie & Bar, with the major excavation works starting on Saturday 12th May to minimise noise and disruption to the majority of businesses in the Passage. Whilst these works are in progress vehicular and pedestrian access to all premises will be maintained.

The second stage of the works will be the re-construction of the carriageway, which will require the partial closure of the road to vehicular traffic. The new surface will be constructed in sections, which will allow some access for vehicles.

A spokesperson for the council told local businesses "We apologise for any inconvenience which will be caused during the works and will endeavour to keep disruption, dust and noise levels to a minimum, and thank you in advance for your co-operation and understanding."

However, not everyone is delighted with the new plans. Sam Harrison told chiswickw4.con of his disappointment that the council did not accept his argument to pedestrianise the passage saying, "I just think it is such a shame and there was a real opportunity here. I understand that the businesses in the Passage need access for deliveries, but there are examples of pedestrinised areas far busier than here where pedestrinisation and access for deliveries can work alongside each other."

He went on to give St Christopher's Place as an example where they have access for vehicles until midday and then full pedestrinisation afterwards. He added " I also think there is going to be an issue when the smoking ban comes in and people are standing in the street smoking. Because of this I think we should be encouraging more use of pavements and outside tables."

May 15, 2007