Controversial plans for the Historic Core Zone in Bradford are still dividing opinions this morning following last night’s poll in which most voted against what was being championed as a pedestrian-friendly scheme.

Many people supporting the scheme have spoken of their disappointment.

James Sullivan-Tailyour, who owns the Swan Hotel in Church Street, has closed the front door of his business this morning and is hanging R.I.P signs in the windows to mark the ‘no’ decision.

Mr Sullivan-Tailyour said: “I think it is the death of Bradford on Avon and we are doomed to continue with the route we are going.

"We’re hanging R.I.P signs outside our hotel and we’ve closed the front door. I can guarantee that more businesses will close now because of the decision.”

“There is no question that the funding which would have been spent is going elsewhere and to another town. Wiltshire Council will look at the town now and not give us a second glance because we are so difficult to deal with.”

He added: “There is no alternative and the councillors have put in so many hours of work into moving the town forward and everyone is so disappointed.

"It wouldn’t surprise me if the Chamber of Commerce disbanded – I mean what’s the point anymore.”

David Moss, a resident of St Margaret’s Street, said that many people in the town will be disappointed today.

He said: “Obviously it is disappointing to hear the result.

"There wasn’t any big shout or anything as the result was called but I think people will be just absorbing the news today and it will take some time for it to sink in.”

“I would presume that the scheme or something alternative will now have to be rethought by the town council.”

However those who were against the scheme have said that they feel sorry for those people involved in the project, but the result is ultimately what the town wants.

James Vincent, who co-owns J Alex Brown hardware on Silver Street, said: “I am sorry that the town has lost the funding but I am happy that the regulated crossings are going to be kept for the continued safety of the old and young.”

“There was a sense of disappointment for those who wanted the scheme but as the voters showed, this is what the town wants and it is not the right scheme for Bradford.

"I think now we must work to the future to ensure pedestrian safety another way.”

Kate Nottage, who has campaigned to keep the zebra crossings in the town added: “I’m pleased that we now know what the public think and despite all the exhibitions and those in favour the plans were not appropriate for this town.

"I’m sorry that it didn’t work out as there were some good elements to the plan but it all hinged on the zebra crossing on Market Street.”

“I think it was obvious from the public feedback two years ago that people were not happy about losing the zebra crossing.

"The poll has once again divided the town though which is a shame and we need to work together from now on.”

Several have taken to social media to voice their views.

Shay Parsons ‏tweeted: "Will the last person to leave Bradford on Avon please turn out the lights."

‏@wrapcompany tweeted: "The people have spoken, sadly they lack vision or community, only in BoA! Thanks for doing all you can to secure a better future."

Anna Sabine tweeted: ‏"People who have vision probably didn't vote, because they weren't aware it was on or couldn't get there... the 2nd opportunity to improve BoA has been wasted, there will be no more."

Steve Brewer tweeted: "Welcome to Bradford on Avon. 'The Prehistoric Broken Town' Famous for its traffic, anti-friendly town centre & backward thinking... #HCZ :("

But Paul Streeting tweeted: "If HCZ had given me belief pedestrians would have been safer I might have backed it but gave me the reverse view."