'We will be put out of business' - traders fear they will go bust if plans to block public highway go ahead

Developers for intu Watford have submitted plans to Watford Borough Council to install a new pair of entrance doors at either end of the Queen's Road underpass, because they believe the road is an "uninviting space".

The new sets of doors would create one passage between the two sections of the shopping centre, but traders fear they will create a barrier and in due course a closure of the last and final link that Queen's Road Broadway has with High Street.

Stan Freeman has been trading at Queens Road Music Shop for 60 years. He said: "This road is a main road to the town.

"Over the years more and more businesses have been forced to close down, and this latest plan will mean more might go.

"We are now being pushed out further as intu try to turn the centre to an indoor one that excludes the outside world.

"I hope Queen's Road survives, it has so much character."

Developers cited wind and the recent break-in at the shopping centre as reasons to install doors. However, residents fear creating an enclosed area could increase anti-social behaviour.

Queen's Road resident Louise Gourlay said: "We are horrified. This application is destined to cut off Queen's Road and its residential and business areas completely.

"The road creates a valuable direct linkage with the High Street and all the cafes, bars and restaurants that have become a feature on this part of the town centre.

"If granted, the doors will sever the direct link that is currently a public right of way.

"These businesses have weathered the storm of the recent recession but having not been killed off by the recession, intu is determined to cast the final stone at a time when most businesses are starting to enjoy a return to a better financial footing."

Mrs Gourlay, 55, said she was also concerned about the important role the road plays as a thoroughfare to and from Watford Junction Station.

She added: "On football days and evenings, this is a vital artery. Businesses benefit from the footfall.

"Queen's Road is a culturally diverse location in our town centre. intu is a major stakeholder and investor in the town centre, but this is not a valid reason for them to sever a main linkage to enhance footfall."

The proposed development is part of intu's overall package of improvement works, comprising £100 million for the Charter Place development, £12 million for improvements to the shopping centre and £4.5 million for improvements to the car parks.

Central Labour councillor Michael Haley said he has been contacted by a number of residents and traders with concerns. He said: "I fear the gates will act as a barrier.

"There are plans to improve the area, but for me this is about privatising a public space. People should be able to use it freely."

Stephen Giles Medhurst, county councillor for the area, said he feared eventually the doors may be permanently closed in the future.

He said: "I can see where the centre are coming from in terms of improving trade but I think this will seriously detriment traders in the Broadway.

"Putting lobby doors on the public highway is not right.

"People may be fearful to use the passage if there is an increase in people loitering in the centre."

The shopping centre has also applied to install new roller shutters in the mall entrances, improve lighting in the underpass and within the subway under Beechen Grove.

Howard Oldstein, general manager of intu Watford, said: "These doors are intended to improve the environment for people walking along this route.

"The doors will not be locked, so there will be no changes to public access, it will remain as it is now - 24 hours a day.

"Our aim is to improve the public areas and the underpass under the ring road as part of these proposals.

"We feel that because the changes will make the experience of walking along Queen's Road more pleasant that this will encourage more shoppers to use the route and improve trading for shops along Queen's Road.

"This proposed change is part of our significant wider investment in Watford town to ensure it remains strong and competitive, as a welcome place for customers to enjoy.

"We are aware there is significant interest in the proposals and we will continue to work with the community and the council over the coming weeks."