THE leader of Teignbridge District Council (TDC) has said the feedback to the Queen Street scheme has been ‘fantastic’.

The comment, made by Cllr David Palethorpe, comes as the scheme pauses for the Christmas shopping period.

Devon County Council (DCC) say the work has been ‘substantially completed’, with the final touches being completed in the New Year.

‘This project is a great example of the positive partnership working between Teignbridge District Council and Devon County Council to deliver enhancements to an important area of Newton Abbot’ said Cllr David Palethorpe.

‘The feedback has been fantastic, especially on the improved pedestrian access, making the area more inclusive and enjoyable for all.

‘We’ll return in the New Year including to install trees, planters, and hanging baskets, which will further enhance Queen Street's businesses’ Cllr Palethorpe added.

The changes delivered so far include a new Pedestrian and Cycle Zone covering the section between Albany Street and Courtenay Street, two flexible loading bays and widened pavements.

Side road crossings have been improved which will provide additional space and better access to shops and businesses particularly for less-mobile visitors or those with young children in buggies.

Daytime works will pause from Saturday, November 30 until Thursday, January 2.

Most of the fencing and red barriers will be removed during this time.

Upon the contractors’ return, Juneberry trees will be planted in seven wooden planters, flowers in hanging baskets will be added and cycle parking and additional public seating will be installed.

A raised junction with a red coloured surface, to increase driver awareness of the new Pedestrian and Cycle Zone, will also be installed opposite Albany Street.

Additionally, there will be a new zebra crossing near the War Memorial, and new signs and road markings will be added across the scheme area.

Councillor Phil Bullivant, County Councillor for Newton Abbot North, said: ‘The work which has been done so far looks great and the addition of Juneberry trees and underplanting of other plants in the New Year will all help create the feeling of an attractive, open space.

‘I also wish to thank local people not only for their patience during the work but for following the town council’s recent request earlier this month not to park along the route of the recent Remembrance Day parade prior to the service.

‘It helped ensure the event went ahead without any issues.’

Councillor Richard Daws, representative for Ambrook ward, said: 'What is so pitifully sad about the changes to Queen Street is how both TDC and DCC both ignored and misrepresented the traders and residents' concerns, all of which were clearly articulated.

‘With some real face to face meetings and meaningful conversations the councils could have created a scheme for the town that had broad support.

‘As it happened they forced an unpopular scheme on the town, on a street that was thriving, as money was burning a hole in their pockets.

‘Now, without any evidence, they seem to want to tell everyone how brilliant it is.

‘The actual impact of the scheme will be seen over the next few years.

‘We all want the town to succeed and flourish and we long for the day we actually have a community led council that engages with businesses and residents and actually acts in their best interests.'