It was one of a number of concepts put forward by Allen Jack + Cottier Architects (AJ+C) in the Bathurst Town Centre Master Plan.

If the plan was adopted as written, Russell Street would one day be closed between William and George streets to make way for a "permanent events plaza".

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Although council staff have said they do not support the closure, councillors and the community have felt the need to push back against the idea.

Kent and Dianne McNab, who rose to local fame as they fought for a roundabout at the intersection of Mitre, Suttor and Lambert streets, have started collecting signatures on a petition.

The ongoing petition was presented to last week's council meeting with 1273 signatures. It has since grown to more than 1300.

"Why would you close a busy CBD street to install an event space, next to existing parks which have been used as event spaces for centuries? There is plenty of room in Machattie Park, Kings Parade, and proposed in the town square area shown in the draft master plan, for normal events," Mr McNab said.

"Closing that section of Russell Street would make the CBD more congested by forcing traffic onto narrow and busy Howick Street past the post office, or onto Keppel Street into a school zone - which is very busy for an extended period twice per day."

At that council meeting, councillors Warren Aubin and Alex Christian both indicated that the closure was the wrong fit for Bathurst.

"I wouldn't like to see that closed at any time, for any reason, other than the times we do it now, just for short-term sort of stuff. I think any permanent closure should be out of the question, it's that simple," Cr Christian said. "Regardless of certain car parking and things like that, I think pushing traffic onto other roads will only cause a nightmare."

Mayor Bobby Bourke also said he disagreed with the closure, but reminded people that it was only an idea.

"I do encourage people to put these submissions in. It's only a draft, and we really need to have that feedback," he said.

"You are hearing from us as councillors, I've had a look at the draft and there's no way I want to see Russell Street permanently closed. I think it's just as stupid as the idea about a bus stop on the other side of Telstra.

"We have to make that really clear before we accept this, so people out there, read the whole draft. You have that opportunity and please take it up."

Council's response to the draft master plan is currently on public exhibition on the YourSay Bathurst website.

Council will also hold information sessions at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC).

The sessions will be held on May 3 at 8am, 12pm and 5pm. People only need to attend one of the sessions, all of which run for 90 minutes.

To register, call either 6333 6511 or 6333 6240, or send an email to council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

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