The rectangle of St Peter’s Square by the car parking area was closed on Saturday, as part of the produce market. How pleasant it was to enjoy what is the best of Rhuthun, unhindered by moving and (often illegally) parking vehicles. Could this be a more permanent feature, removing altogether through traffic and parked cars from the Square?OK, this may seem off the wall. But consider that there is only, what, seven parking spaces on the Square in the first place. Their removal would then create a public space worthy of the Square’s fine and stylish architecture – framed by three banks, the Castle Hotel, the Collegiate church, the post office, the Seven Eyes and much else. Castle Street and its soon-to-be opened famous Nantclwyd House leads off the Square.
Would such an environmental enhancement further Rhuthun as an historic and medieval town of note? More than anywhere, St Peter’s Square gives Rhuthun its identity. Would it add to the town's individuality in the face of corporate Tesco?
Services and deliveries could be maintained via Prior Street. The roundabout on the Square would in no way be affected, thereby maintaining through traffic and access from Clwyd Street, Upper Clwyd Street, Market Street and Well Street.
The environmental improvements of 1995 that we now see has enhanced the Square greatly, compared to the former layout. Could this go one stage further?
The town council’s view is that they would prefer a relaxation of waiting times and a waiving of charges. The reason charges were introduced in 1995 (by far the first in Rhuthun) was to ensure a rotation of cars, thereby preventing blocking. Would a relaxing or waiving on the Square take us back more than 10 years and lead to an inequitable situation? Or should we look 10 years ahead?If a closure can be done for the produce market, can it be done permanently? Or as a suggestion, is this just a step too far?