TALKS are under way to increase the number of disabled spaces as part of a revamp of Colchester town centre.

Colchester Council wants to ban cars and lorries from the High Street during the day as part of plans to cut congestion.

It also plans to make North Hill a bus lane in one direction, ban cars from turning from the High Street into Queen Street and introduce a permanent taxi rank in Head Street.

The overhaul has been billed as the biggest change in the town centre for a generation.

But many disabled people said the replacements for scrapped disabled parking spaces in the High Street will not be sufficient and some High Street businesses voiced concerns about plans to ban delivery lorries from 10am to 6pm.

Lyn Barton, councillor responsible for regeneration, said talks had started with operator NCP about increasing the number of disabled spaces at Nunns Road and Vineyard Street, as well as making the lift at Vineyard Street more reliable.

She said: “The meetings have been quite productive.

“I think that would be a better parking space for quite a few residents who want to use the High Street.”

Howard Davies, town centre project manager, has visited businesses to see how they can minimise disruption to deliveries when cars and lorries arebanned during the day.

He said: “I think most people want that reduction in traffic. It’s a good thing.

“It’s just how we do it and how we bring people along with us.

“We’re getting there, albeit with a few tweaks.”

Mrs Barton said residents and visitors would start noticing the changes this summer.

She said: “We’re still on target for some of the work to be implemented during the summer.

“We had a very good response by the public and it was generally positive.

“Where there were a few concerns, we’re certainly addressing them.”