A CONSULTATION on whether to close South Street temporarily to traffic will be launched next week.

Bridport Town Council wants to hear from people on town centre traffic issues and potentially pedestrianising South Street .

Cllr Sarah Williams, leader of the town council, said: "A trial closure is being considered to fully assess the impact of the closure of the road.

"Before a decision is taken on whether to apply to the county council for a trial closure, the town council wants to get people’s views on whether they would support such a trial. The consultation also asks questions on town centre speed limits and what people consider most needs to be improved in relation to the town centre and traffic:”

The consultation will be launched online at bridport-tc.gov.uk on Monday (7) and hard copies will be available at Bridport Library, the Mountfield council offices, Bridport Library and the tourist information centre.

Speaking at Monday's plans meeting of the town council, Cllr Julian Jones said: "I shall be writing a letter to the papers asking people to support one way."

But Cllr Williams said: "I really feel it would not be in the best interests to do that.

"It will create quite a lot of anti-feeling that we are trying to push it one way or another. I would be very unhappy if you wrote to the papers."

Cllr Jones added: "I don't accept the idea that we as councillors can't express our views about it."

Town clerk Bob Gillis said: "People have got their own views but now the council has taken the decision for a consultation to happen.

"I would hope that councillors would let that consultation take place."