A scheme to ban or reduce traffic around primary schools in Wapping has been revealed as part of a programme to pedestrianise parts of Wapping.

East London Advertiser: Garnet Street which doesn't have much through traffic... but Tower Hamlets Council wants to reduce vehicles even more. Picture: GoogleGarnet Street which doesn't have much through traffic... but Tower Hamlets Council wants to reduce vehicles even more. Picture: Google (Image: Google)

St Peter's London Docks Primary would have wider pavements at the entrance, while a pedestrian area is planned for Hermitage Primary by closing off Lilley Close at the corner of Hellings Street.

But it's not the end of the road for the cobblestones that make the streets of Wapping unique, Tower Hamlets Council promises.

"We want to retain the cobbled character," divisional director Dan Jones assured.

East London Advertiser: Safe... council wants to keep Wapping's cobblestones, like these in Lillie Close. Picture: GoogleSafe... council wants to keep Wapping's cobblestones, like these in Lillie Close. Picture: Google (Image: Google)

"These ideas are for public spaces for people to get around on quieter routes."

A new "pocket park" is proposed in Wapping Lane and pedestrian crossings at Wapping station and Glamis Road, as well as opening up access to the canal path from Redmead Lane.

There has also been pressure for better street lighting on the footpaths through Wapping Woods following a campaign by congregation members at St George's-in-the-East who undertook "night patrols" with torches to help commuters heading home from Shadwell station during the dark winter nights last year. The scheme would include new street lighting through the woodland.

East London Advertiser: Area on the Thames waterfront from St Katharine Docks to Shadwell Basin where pedestrian schemes are suggested for Wapping. Picture: LBTHArea on the Thames waterfront from St Katharine Docks to Shadwell Basin where pedestrian schemes are suggested for Wapping. Picture: LBTH (Image: LBTH)

The scheme also proposes making Pennington Street, just off The Highway, into one-way traffic from Virginia Street to Artichoke Hill, following a petition to the town hall from households.

Public consultations opened this week run until December 16, followed by "drop in" sessions on December 3 at the Step by Step nursery in Chandler Street 5pm to 7pm, and Saturday morning 10am-noon on December 7 at St Peter's London Docks school in Garnet Street.