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# City centre can be transformed in the wake of coronavirus crisis with full pedestrianisation, Lichfield MP says
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/city-centre-can-transform-itself-in-the-wake-of-coronavirus-crisis-with-full-pedestrianisation-lichfield-mp-says/
- Published: 2020-07-21T06:54:22.000Z
- Updated: 2020-07-21T06:56:43.000Z
- Description: Lichfield could be transformed if the city centre was fully pedestrianised to create a cafe culture, an MP has said.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Business, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:14, News

Lichfield could be transformed if the city centre was fully pedestrianised to create a cafe culture, an MP has said.

Michael Fabricant said the rise of al fresco food and drink in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic could create a positive shift for the city.

![Michael Fabricant in the outdoor seating area at Corner Cafe on Bore Street](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/bore-st-18-0720.jpg)

Michael Fabricant in the outdoor seating area at Corner Cafe on Bore Street

The Conservative MP said moving disabled parking and putting limits on when deliveries would be the key.

> “I have spoken in the past about continuing to work from home where possible when the pandemic is over with the consequence of less pollution and fewer blocked roads – but town and city planners should be flexible and learn from COVID-19 too.  
>  
> “I believe that in Lichfield, the inner heart of the city – Bore Street, Bird Street, Market Street and Dam Street – should be permanently pedestrianised with access only for deliveries at specified times.   
>  
> “Other cities have done this years ago to great success. Disabled parking can be made available adjacent to the pedestrianised zone and adequate parking – able and disabled – would have to be provided.  
>  
> “A single retractable bollard in Tamworth Street, operated by an electronic pass, would ensure that only essential vehicles could still get through.  
>  
> “It would transform the very essence of our city for the better.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant MP

Social distancing measures introduced during the coronavirus crisis mean that businesses are utilising additional space outside premises in order to keep serving customers.

> “The temporary pavement cafés allowed in Bore Street and elsewhere arising from emergency COVID legislation show the way.  
>  
> “Pedestrianisation will encourage tourism and boost our local economy. The evidence from elsewhere in the country is that it becomes a magnet for visitors and results in a more imaginative and diverse retail and dining offer.  
>  
> “It would need imagination and flexibility from Staffordshire County Council who have authority over highways, but even they may have to admit that keeping cobble-stoned Bird Street open as a traffic throughway is neither practical nor desirable.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant MP

### “Pedestrianisation is always controversial”

The current one way route through Lichfield city centre offers disabled parking spaces.

> “Of course, I am well aware that pedestrianisation is always controversial.  
>  
> “The able and disabled understandably and inevitably worry initially about access while shop keepers are concerned about reduced passing trade.  
>  
> “But elsewhere over the last forty years, pedestrianisation has been shown to encourage footfall and make for a cleaner and more pleasant shopping and dining experience – and this rewards locals as well as visitors.   
>  
> “Pedestrianisation logically follows on from the cobble stoning of the city centre.  
>  
> “While this is essentially a council matter, I have asked Lichfield District Council leader, Cllr Doug Pullen, to give this matter some thought and I hope that it will eventually be incorporated into the council’s developing plans for Lichfield’s future.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant MP