A MOMENTOUS meeting, which could set the wheels in motion for Petersfield to be more bike and walker friendly, is being proposed.

Representatives of Petersfield Town Council, East Hampshire District Council, South Downs National Park Authority, Hampshire County Council and the Petersfield Society will be invited, although a date has yet to be set.

In a progress report to the Town Development Committee by Tony Struthers, of The Petersfield Society, it was suggested that the authorities should meet to discuss a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that could lead to town centre vehicle use being discouraged.

Commissioning the work in Lavant Street, Chapel Street, The Square and High Street would also be a topic for discussion.

If agreed, the MOU will outline responsibilities for the ambitious project, driven by the Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan (PNP).

It says the result should: “Create a shared space and /or pedestrian/cycle priority friendly street design for the town centre, including the Market Square.”

It is proposed The Square becomes more user-friendly and that trees and seating will help achieve that.

And it is hoped this will see more outdoor dining, exhibitions, live entertainment and other attractions, integrated with the market.

Another aim is to discourage through traffic using the High Street, and maximise pedestrian use by introducing street furniture, trees and limiting parking bays.

The pedestrian and cycle friendly theme will continue along Chapel Street and Lavant Street to its junction with Charles Street.

The overall goal is to create a ‘cafe society’ feel in the town, with greater use by pedestrians and cyclists.

It also suggests water features and sculptures will add to the ambience.

Once the brief and the basis for the MOU is agreed, it can be signed, signalling the intent to start the project.

Then the first step will be to appoint consultants to prepare the design vision.

The report also identified possible lottery funding of upto £2m, but said it would have to be match-funded.

A key criteria is that businesses and residents must be involved through consultations and presentations