In viewpoint (December 18) Edward McCormick highlighted how the High Street in Stourbridge is blighted by traffic and parked vehicles and in my view he is right to do so.

The pavements are narrow making it difficult for two people to walk together or even 2 pedestrians to pass each other. Two friends just stopping for a chat can cause congestion on the pavement. Goodness knows how people using mobility scooters, pushing a wheelchair or pushchair manage. It must be one of the most stressful shopping High Streets in the county.

If Bromsgrove can have such an attractive pedestrian High Street then why can’t Stourbridge. Just making the High Street a pedestrian area would make a big difference to the shopping experience. No doubt some of the shop keepers may be concerned that a traffic free High Street will see a reduction in the numbers visiting Stourbridge but I doubt it. Whenever there is a special event taking place (eg.

Farmers Market, Christmas Market) the town feels more relaxed and enjoyable and I believe this atmosphere could spread along High Street to the benefit of both traders and shoppers.

Without spending a lot of money or putting shop keepers futures at risk, the High Street in Stourbridge could be closed to traffic, say, every Saturday for a month to trial the concept. I am sure that the Stourbridge News could run an advertising campaign to make it a success. I am sure a lot of local people would support the idea and perhaps it could lead the way to Stourbridge having a market town feel.

Robert Hudson Brierley Hill