Winchester City Council has announced further changes to the market following the accident in the city on Friday 25 January when a young boy was injured in a collision with a bus.
Following a meeting on Friday 1st February 2013 with the police, County Council officers, the bus company and representatives of the market, the City Council has agreed a revised layout for the stalls in the lower part of the High Street which will take effect immediately.
This layout will see the stalls in that section clustered in small groups with large gaps between the groups to increase visibility for pedestrians and drivers. Barriers and signs in the gaps will encourage people to cross safely. All the parties involved support this approach, which will be kept under review in the coming weeks. Sunday's art market provides a solid barrier to the road and will continue as usual.
Bus companies remain committed to maintain slow speeds through this area. In the longer-term discussions will take place about the options for re-routing buses.
The City Council moved quickly to suspend the market in the lower part of the High Street as a precaution while the incident was investigated.
Local MP Steve Brine said: "I'm really pleased the wakeup call of the accident has been heeded. We will have to see how this works out and I will be interested in feedback from residents but the city council has taken sensible precautionary action and deserves credit for that."
Cllr Vicki Weston, Winchester City Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning & Transport, said: "Our thoughts remain with those involved in the accident and we hope that the young boy involved makes a speedy recovery.
"The market makes a valuable contribution to the economic vitality of the city centre and it is important that any changes we make are appropriate and seek to improve safety.
"Together with our partners we will closely manage the arrangements and keep the situation under review."
Pictured; The market in the lower part of the High Street has been suspended