PLANS to pedestrianise one of Liverpool’s original seven ancient streets have officially been dropped, it was confirmed last night.

Proposals to pedestrianise Castle Street were first floated in 2005, but now, as expected, have been abandoned over concerns it would cause problems for traffic flow.

Now the plans are to make most of the historic street one way with a single lane for traffic down the middle.

Footpaths will be widened from four metres to 10 metres, and the whole street will be repaved in York stone or granite, as part of the £4m design.

Officials hope the plan will help encourage a European-style cafe culture and allow more people to enjoy the street’s architecture.

It is one of the original seven ancient streets of Liverpool, recognised as one of the finest Victorian street scenes in country, containing two Grade I listed buildings: the town hall and former Bank of England. Castle Street also has 17 Grade II listed buildings.

Regeneration leader Cllr Peter Millea last night said the scheme would make the street much safer for pedestrians, while balancing the need for traffic to be able to get around the city centre.

But Cllr Nick Small, whose Central ward includes Castle Street, said: “I think the council is missing a massive opportunity to make the best of the city’s heritage by not going ahead and pedestrianising the street.”

An exhibition on the new designs is being held at the town hall from tomorrow until Friday.

Anyone who visits the exhibition can book a place on one of the hour-long tours. Under the plans, the famous street would be made one-way from the town hall junction at Dale Street to Cook Street, with traffic able to travel southbound.