One transport business owner, Terry Walker, believes the reconstruction of the intersection at Lawrence and Havelock streets is all part of Hovell Street being closed some time in the future.

The council says its position has not changed since it voted in August against closure.

That vote came after the council had floated in May the idea of closing the street. Its backflip followed a vigorous traders’ campaign to convince the council that closing the street was a mistake.

While the August decision was a reprieve for traders, councillors also said that if certain milestones were met, they would revisit the idea of closing the street to traffic.

Those milestones involve major traffic works, including the Elgin Boulevard realignment, and the move by a major retailer to the proposed Mann Centre.

The council should consider itself on notice that those opposing the Hovell Street closure are watching developments closely.

It should be in no doubt that they will quickly revive their campaign should it reverse its August decision.