High street car ban in bid to beat virus

A busy Somerset high street has been closed to traffic in a bid to make more space for social distancing, it has been announced.

Vehicles have been barred from Keynsham High Street between 9am and 5pm since Monday.

The road closure will remain in place for “as long as social distancing is necessary”, according to a statement from Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The town council voted on June 23, 12 to one in favour of the road closure with two abstentions.

Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for transport services, said: “We’re introducing necessary measures across B&NES to make spaces safer and we will keep these under review.

“In some areas of North East Somerset the footfall is low, so we have decided footpath widening isn’t necessary at this time.

“While we know the new measures in Keynsham will cause some inconvenience, we will do all we can to help mitigate this.

“As a community we are all working together to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and people need extra space to be able to safely socially distance.”

Councillor Andy Wait, chair of Keynsham Town Council, added: “After a full and lively debate at the virtual town council meeting in which members of the public, B&NES and town councillors spoke, the motion from Hal Macfie received support from all parties.

“It was generally agreed that this temporary solution to the issues raised by social distancing was worth a try.

“Since the meeting the general feeling in the town is similar to that of the town council”.

Full details of the access restrictions can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/bathsocialdistancing