LEAVE it alone - that's the clear message from long-term Liebig Street traders in response to calls for changes to Warrnambool's CBD.
Several traders this week said they were worried by talk of possible changes and wanted to ring the alarm bells now.
Fears have been heightened by two city councillors, Peter Hulin and Jennifer Lowe, who have been seeking public feedback on how to improve the CBD.
The councillors, who instigated weekly Saturday morning street walks, are keen to make the CBD more pedestrian-friendly.
Cr Hulin claimed the city centre was "too car-centric".
"There needs to be changes sooner rather than later, but only after consultations with the community.
"There should be a city forum," he said.
A major study on revitalising the city centre is due to be released for public comment in September, after months of discussions by community groups. It will help shape city council policy.
One-way traffic, parallel parking, slower traffic speeds and a central median strip are among suggestions to make the CBD safer for pedestrians.
Mayor Michael Neoh said nothing had been decided on a new CBD structure plan.
Some traders told The Standard they had not been approached to contribute to the study.
Peter Clancey, whose family has operated a clothing shop in Liebig Street for 50 years, summed up traders' views.
"Don't fiddle with it. We survive off our shoppers. They won't come here if they know they'll hit a traffic jam," he said.
Mr Clancey said recent changes to roundabouts had clogged traffic flow.
Max Taylor aired a similar view.
"What we have now is fantastic," he said.
"Cars going up and down the street give it a busy atmosphere," he said.
"Country people still like to park near the shops.
"Apart from Christmas there are plenty of parking spaces in Warrnambool."
Mr Taylor's family has traded in Liebig Street for 76 years.
George Politis has operated his central fish and chip shop for 48 years.
"Leave it the way it is. I want car drivers to be able to park in front of the shops," he said.
"Warrnambool is one of the best regional shopping centres in Victoria.
"Twice there have been calls for a mall. It's ridiculous. Just look at what happened to Bridge Street in Ballarat."
Cafe{aac} owner Alan Tampion said Warrnambool was a country city.
"I like the street the way it is," he said after 24 years as a Liebig Street trader.
Fruiter Mario Materia said Liebig Street was a drawcard.
"It's a good, busy street. You don't want to push people away. It's working well."
Electrical retailer Robert Anderson said Warrnambool was recognised for its wide streets.
"Liebig Street is sensational. If something's not broken, don't fix it. Pedestrians and drivers just need to be more mindful of safety."
Music retailer Michael Fitzgerald, who will soon celebrate 30 years in the main street, said he was alarmed at suggestions of major changes.
"If cars were kept out of the CBD it would kill retail trade. It would be a recipe for disaster," he said.
"Traders collectively haven't been approached by council for a formal view."
Lea Watson, who owns three stores in the CBD, called for more communication from council and between traders.
"None of us know exactly what is happening, it is all rumours," she said.
"There just needs to be some good old fashioned communication to break down the barriers between council and other retailers. We need to be a united front."
Long-time real estate agent Brian Hancock said Liebig Street's strip shopping was one of the city's attractions.
"I think the public would voice strong opposition to major changes," he said.
Email a friend
Favourites
Del.icio.us
Facebook
Digg
StumbleUpon
MySpace
Reddit
Newsvine
LinkedIn
Kwoff
Twitter