Blind charity celebrates end to 'shared streets' plans near Harrods

Plans to merge roads and pavements around Harrods and make pedestrians, cyclists and motorists share the same space have been dropped.

The council is currently facing legal action from the blindness charity Guide Dogs, which has launched a judicial review over its "shared surface" plans for nearby Exhibition Road.

Kensington and Chelse decided to drop the Harrods schemes, after residents attacked the proposals. They raised the same concerns as Guide Dogs, that visually impaired pedestrians - who rely on traditional raised kerbs to stop them straying into the road - would be put at risk.

They also claimed the proposals would increase noise, disruption and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Now the council, which has spent the last five months consulting local residents about the proposal, has abandoned the plan.

Instead, it will widen the pavements in Hans Road to give pedestrians more space. Work starts next November.