HUNDREDS of people have pleaded to the council to keep a 'valuable' tourist attraction outside Windsor Castle.

Peter Langthorne, one of five licenced carriages, set up the petition following the announcement that streets in the Royal Borough will become pedestrianised.

He fears his business, the Windsor Town Carriages takes tourists around a tour of the historic Royal town.

It is one of five horse carriages operating in the town and he believes his business will be impacted by the changes.

Peter wrote on the petition: "The council are pedestrianising Castle Hill in Windsor where the horse-drawn hackney carriage operate from. A very valuable tourist attraction.

"Moving this to another location away from the tourists and visitors this will undoubtedly have a very adverse effect on whether we will still be able to operate."

Almost 600 people have signed the petition calling to keep the horse-drawn carriage outside Windsor Castle.

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Heather Lee spoke to the News about why she has signed the petition.

She said: "Peter kindly taught me how to drive my own horses as a pair. He is my inspiration and I will be sad to see him no longer driving his beautiful horses around Windsor."

Charlotte Finegan, who worked for Windsor Town Carriages, said: "By moving the stopping sight not only is the company affected but the tourists too.

"They will be missing out on an enjoyable and educational trip around seeing the sights of Windsor not even many locals know. There has never been any issues with the horses being where they have for years. No reason to change it now."

Another resident said: "I'm signing because they are a part of our history and heritage...a bit of nostalgia in our world of high tech and fast cars....(which we can do without)".

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead said work will begin to widen the footpath on the southern side of Castle Hill from its junction with High Street to the junction with St Alban’s Street creating 'more space for pedestrians.

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Because of this pedestrianisation, locals fear the Windsor Town Carriages may no longer be able to operate.

However, a council spokesperson said: “The public realm improvements on Castle Hill are aimed at improving the overall experience and safety of residents and visitors in Windsor.

“The improvements will not see Castle Hill entirely pedestrianised but will give additional safety benefits with the significant reduction of vehicle accessibility, limited to castle access only during visiting hours.

“The council completed a comprehensive consultation with local businesses and residents in December and January to gather comments about the improvements, with the scheme supported by the majority of respondents. During and subsequent to this, regular meetings have taken place to follow-up issues raised by businesses and identify alternative solutions to allow their continued success.”