Residents are being encouraged to have their say on plans to tackle traffic and make the town centre a more pleasant area for pedestrians.

Ottery Regeneration Project has announced proposals for Silver Street, Broad Street, Hind Street, and North Street.

Project chairman, Councillor Geoff Pratt, said: “Ultimately, it is all about transforming the town centre to become a more pleasant area and to enhance the town shopping experience.”

As part of its plans, the regeneration group has proposed three options to ease major traffic in the Square.

It proposes installing a new bus stop layby on the wide pavement approaching Sainsbury’s car park for buses heading towards Honiton, and removing the bus stops in the Square.

Exeter-bound buses would have a new bus stop by Everys in Mill Street, with the bus stops in the Square removed.

And pavements in the Square would be widened to improve safety and pedestrian use. Additional crossings would also be added where required.

The group also wants to tackle traffic jams and pedestrian safety in Silver Street, which has been described as a ‘pinch point’ by residents.

Members have discussed options including a traffic priority system, a one way system in Brook Street and introducing traffic lights.

In Hind Street, the group is looking to reduce traffic passing through Prospect Place and the Square by suggesting the road becomes a two way street.

In its plans, the pavement alongside the side of Sainsbury’s building would take the place of the exiting pavement to create additional road space.

The group also recommends extending the footpath from Redferns to the crossing by Tar Lane.

It hopes to tackle the level of HGV’s traffic by introducing timed deliveries to local businesses and impose a weight restriction on heavy goods lorries.

The group is also looking at parking issues in North Street, which it says operates as a single track road.

Councillor Pratt said there was a possibility of acquiring land to provide residents’ car parking to allow for parking restrictions along North Street.

A time restriction or parking permits are also being considered as an alternative.

Residents are asked to email their thoughts to regeneration@otterystmary-tc.gov.uk or write to Liz Graveney, Ottery St Mary Town Council, The Council Offices, 8 Broad Street, Ottery St Mary EX11 1BZ