As expected, West Berkshire Council announced today that the £600,000 scheme to repave the square with imported Italian granite, and put in a daytime traffic ban in Wharf Street and Market Place, would be postponed for further talks with those affected.

Workmen were due to start ripping up the York stone flags next month, despite widespread concern that the market would be killed off by a move to the car park by Oddbins. Cyclists, retailers, pub landlords, and war veterans had also raised various concerns to force a climbdown.

The cabinet councillor for town centre issues, Emma Webster said: “What has clearly emerged is that there’s a need for a full and detailed consultation of the proposals. The responses received to date suggested that members of the public did not believe that the consultation process was fair or that they were being listened to.

“Only when we have the opinions of everyone likely to be affected by the scheme, will we be able to make an informed decision on the way forward. It’s important that everyone has the chance to have their say and for this to be considered.”

Last July, newbury.net revealed that the council was planning a daytime car ban to turn the square into an Italian piazza. In November, we published the artists’ impressions of the site, and revealed that taxpayers would fund the project. In March, Conservatives – then in opposition – called for the scheme to be delayed until the Bear Lane junction had been upgraded.