A much-needed proposal or a hare-brained scheme?

Southampton residents have had their say on the Portswood Broadway plans.

The proposals to partly pedestrianise Portswood High Street have been surrounded by controversy.

The second phase of the scheme was announced by Southampton City Council last week.

Since the announcement, residents have voted in a poll conducted by the Daily Echo, asking whether they think the plans are a good idea or not.

A total of 2,866 votes were received, and of those, 73 per cent said the plans are ‘absolutely’ a good idea.

Meanwhile, 24 per cent disagreed, voting ‘no, not at all’.

Only three per cent of those who voted are unsure if the plans are good or not.

However, analysis of the votes - when multiple votes were cast from the same browser - shows that 178 distinct votes were cast for 'yes absolutely,' while 204 distinct votes were made for 'no, not at all'. There were 43 votes for 'I'm not sure'.

If approved, the scheme will see the Broadway closed to cars to make the area ‘more attractive’.

A bus gate will be installed, along with more zebra crossings, wider pavements, and speed limits.

The next phase involves a second consultation launched by the council.

Concerns raised in the initial consultation will be addressed, the council says, with an emphasis on ensuring people’s views are heard.

Supporters have praised the next step, describing it as ‘reassuring’.

Chris Zardis, founder of Shop Local Southampton said: “It is reassuring to see independent economic analysis showing a five per cent uplift in trade after the scheme is implemented.”

Fellow supporter and Portswood business owner Gurdeep Singh added: “The high street needs investment, and I’m pleased there’s plans to make it a place where people want to stay, shop and spend their money.”

But protestors stand firm in their belief that the plans will affect trade in the high street.

Councillor Jeremy Moulton, deputy leader of the Conservative group said: "The plan to close Portswood Broadway is utterly moronic and it’s going cause a lot of problems for residents and businesses."

Portswood resident Karen Edwards organised a protest against the scheme in March.

She said: "The consultation needs to be inclusive.

“It’s really key to get everybody’s input and see what the results are."