Hamilton shoppers give the "thumbs up'' to the idea of making Reid Street a pedestrian precinct.

But nothing should be done until the parking problem is solved, they said.

The proposal to block off the lower end of Reid Street to traffic was first floated in 1974 but failed through lack of support.

Recently, the Corporation of Hamilton decided to take another look at the proposal as a way of relieving congestion in the city.

The Royal Gazette took to the streets to ask people for their views on the issue.

"It's an excellent idea,'' said one businessman. "It will keep traffic moving and must be better for shop keepers as well.'' Shopping precincts he had seen in the United Kingdom and Germany worked very well, he said.

But he added it would work only if done if issues such as parking were dealt with first.

"They will have to create additional parking,'' he said. "It has become a real issue around town. That is one of the things that has to be resolved before Reid Street is pedestrianised.'' Mr. Oshea Tucker agreed.

"Shopping would be a lot better. I think it could be a good idea even though it will make parking worse and inconvenience people at the same time.'' One elderly woman said she thought a traffic-free shopping precinct a good idea. But she admitted she was biased in the matter because she did not own a car.

"I can't really say, but it seems that there is hardly anywhere for people to park now,'' said Mrs. Lucille Holder. "They will have to provide a car park for them but it would be nice for me,'' she laughed.

Mr. Stanley Evans also said he approved of the idea.

"It would be nice to have a shopping precinct. Many cities have them.'' Ms Duan Leverock and her friend both complained the street is too congested and unpleasant for pedestrians. But parking was the main issue, they said.

"I think Reid Street should be pedestrianised. There is already not enough parking here. City Hall is always full. They will definitely have to alter the parking situation first,'' Ms Leverlock said.

Mrs. Terry Stadler said Reid Street is just as unpleasant for motorists.

"It's potentially a good idea,'' she said. "It gets so congested here with people walking between cars. As a motorist you have to constantly watch what is going on. It's especially bad in the tourist season.'' Mr. Eric Dowling was the lone dissenter.

"Keep Reid Street as it is,'' he said. "It should just be pedestrianised on Friday nights for late-night shopping.'' Mr. Eric Dowling Mr. Oshea Tucker Mrs. Terry Stadler Ms Duan Leverock