ALL three proposals aimed at enhancing the centre of St Ives have met with objections from the town councillors. The schemes – drawn up by Huntingdonshire District Council – focus on the Market Hill area of the town. But at a meeting last Wednesday (Dece

ALL three proposals aimed at enhancing the centre of St Ives have met with objections from the town councillors.

The schemes - drawn up by Huntingdonshire District Council - focus on the Market Hill area of the town.

But at a meeting last Wednesday (December 10), town councillors said while they would like changes in Market Hill, the three proposals on the table were unacceptable in their current form.

The council said it would put forward its own version of how the town centre could be improved.

The town council wants:

nThe public space to be on the "sun-lit" north side of Market Hill, that is the current Sheep Market area (not in the south-west corner as proposed)

nCurrent levels of short-term parking to be maintained

nWider pavements, upgraded surfaces and marked pedestrian crossings

nDelivery access to all shops and premises and access to the Free Church.

The town council also wants to keep the loading bays in Bridge Street.

The Mayor of St Ives, Councillor Ian Dobson said: "The key to the continued vitality of St Ives is the success of its independent small businesses.

"The council is keen to ensure that all customers have good access to Market Hill, whether by car, on foot, or by bike. It is also clear that there is strong opposition in the town to the relocation of either Cromwell's statue or the War Memorial."

He added: "We believe that the proposals we will be making are the basis for a successful project. It is vital that the character and bustle of Market Hill and our market town is preserved.