Reid Street businesses have given a cautious thumbs-up to the plan to pedestrianise part of the city centre.

Retailers and other firms on Lower Reid Street are thought to be keen on the idea of banning traffic as part of a proposal to give Hamilton back to the people.

But there are several issues that need to be overcome before any scheme can go forward.

Around 30 businesses met on Wednesday to discuss with the Corporation of Hamilton a draft Transport Strategy for the City.

It proposes several radical ideas to reduce traffic and make the city centre an attractive area for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Top of the list is the pedestrianisation of part of Reid Street, better parking, more facilities for the disabled, provision of park and ride, and altering traffic flow on some routes.

Another public meeting is to be held later this month, so officials can get feedback from all sections of society.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson has backed the idea but all sides only want to go ahead if they have a consensus from the country.

Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Roger Sherratt said the meeting was very lively and stimulating, adding that nothing would happen unless there was agreement from the traders and others.

He added that a general survey of the public had revealed that 78 percent were in favour of pedestrianisation.

"Some people were very, very enthusiastic but some businesses had some major concerns,'' he said.

"At this point there are some major concerns to be addressed, parking for shoppers and businesses who can't load from the back of their premises.'' Mr. Sherratt said many people were worried that a ban on cars on part of Reid Street would deter shoppers who like to park very close to the shops they are visiting.

That issue would have to be addressed with a look at the parking areas currently available.

And he said many shops and businesses only had the facility to load and unload from the front, presenting immediate difficulties if vehicles were prohibited from the street.

Businesses are keen to improve the shopping environment but do not want to frighten off their customers into the bargain.

The Corporation is also to gauge opinion from all merchants in the area in addition to the 30 that attended the forum.

"We want it to be something they are happy with from the start and not forced upon them,'' he said.

He said parking successes, including the two hour visit for shoppers at part of the City Hall area and No 1 car park had proved popular -- showing that change was possible.

TRAFFIC TFC