Keep the High Street the way it is. That was opinion of several vocal business people at a recent public meeting organised by Droitwich mayor Councillor Bob Brookes to discuss the future of the town centre.

The meeting was organised to encourage people to give their opinion on plans to make enhancements to the town centre, which have yet to be structured as formal proposals.

The most contentious idea proposed in the public engagement exercise from Worcestershire County Council was to pedestrianise Droitwich High Street, or limit access to cars.

A spokesman from Executive Cleaners, said: “The high street was closed a few years ago, and we had nothing down the high street. It was like a ghost town. The last thing we want to see now is the high street closed. It would be an absolute disaster.”

A spokesman from new business Izzie Wizzie Sweeties, added: “We’re completely against pedestrianising the high street, it works well as it is for the customers. The older generation very often come in, and they like it as it was. It’s a bit of memory lane. Pedestrianising it I’m positive would kill the high street.”

Other representatives from High Street businesses voiced concerns that it had a vibrancy which had only just returned, and that it should be protected at all costs.

The idea of pedestrianisation was put forward as only one option in the exercise, which also proposed narrowing either end of the high street to discourage cars from using it as a cut through.

County councillor Pam Davey said: “There’s no plan to pedestrianise the high street, or to do any of the other things either. It’s a great relief for me to hear that you all seem to know want you want. It’s laying out items for discussion. Nothing has been planned, nothing has been decided.”

One member of the public voiced the opinion of those who might like to see the high street changed.

She said: “I came to live here three years ago from Surrey, and my experience of pedestrianised towns was a very pleasant one. I’m a customer who cannot see very well, and at the moment there are so many holes and so many cars. It would be much nicer to walk safely. If its properly surfaced people might find more customers came to their shops.”

The exercise, which proposes several different options for money to be spent on improving the centre of Droitwich, including improvements to the access routes from the station, and converting St Andrew’s Street back to accommodate two-way traffic, also gives residents the option of suggesting their own ideas for the proposals.

Councillor Brookes put forward his own suggestion of installing raising bollards and a fold-away sign, which could be used to close off the high street for pop-up events and festivals.

Patrick Davis, organiser of the Droitwich Spa Food Festival added: “Whatever you do, do it in keeping with the character of the town.”

Other suggestions raised included extending the length of time people could park on the high street, giving Droitwich residents permits for two hours of free parking in the town, and providing a coach stop so that visitors and tourists could access High Street shops without needing to cross the busy Queen Street..

Another resident said: “When I moved here about four years ago, I wouldn’t go down the high street because it depressed me. It’s been really nice to see shops open. It just looks a bit unloved and tired.”

Whatever is decided, investment is due to be made in improving the appearance of Droitwich town centre, with comments from the public being evaluated in November, and final proposals suggested by the end of the year.

To take part in the public engagement exercise and put forward an opinion on how the town centre should be improved, visit Worcestershire.gov.uk/droitwichspa or call 01905 765765 for more information.