| Cyclists and politicians will go head to head with West Berkshire Council tomorrow (Thursday), over controversial plans to repave the Market Place in imported Italian granite.
Conservatives will be grilling the Lib Dem cabinet to find out how many people want to see the town’s market square turned into a tree-lined piazza, with cars and bikes banned during the day, and some buses diverted to Park Way.
Lib Dems are expected to come under pressure not to move the market traders to the Wharf, after dire warnings that the 1,000 year old market would wither. They will also be quizzed on costs, and why the £600,000 price tag doesn’t feature in the current consultation.
Conservatives want to see junctions improved before other areas of the town centre are pedestrianised, while cycling group Spokes is furious that cycling is soon to be banned in Northbrook Street and the Market Place.
Ahead of the meeting, Newbury Town Centre Management Steering Group has issued a statement saying they “fully endorse” the proposals.
The scheme is on display in the Corn Exchange, town hall and Market Street reception until May 19. | 
