Opinions divided over Albert Street pedestrianisation

An attempt to fully pedestrianise Kirkwall’s Albert Street between 12pm and 2.30pm has failed, although it was a far from unanimous decision by islands councillors.

The proposal to close off Albert Street, between its junctions with Laing Street and Broad Street, prompted some 22 letters of objection, councillors at yesterday’s development and infrastructure committee meeting heard.

Whether to go ahead with the pedestrianisation came down to a vote, and narrowly the convener Councillor Steven Heddle won the day, by six votes to five, for no change to the current set up.

The committee’s decision has to be ratified by full council on Monday.