Changes to make our towns safe

TODAY we’re sharing news that in the next few weeks we’ll be making some temporary changes to our town centres which we really hope people will welcome.

These changes, including the pedestrianisation of some streets from 10am to 4pm, and a few one-way pedestrian systems in narrow areas, are intended to make our town centres safe and welcoming so that people can relax at leisure whilst keeping distance from others.

We also hope of course that these measures will support our traders, by providing them with opportunities to bring their trade outdoors.

We have been careful in our approach to this, and whilst these are temporary measures the feedback we get from businesses, shoppers and visitors will be invaluable as we look to the future.

Our officers have already started visiting businesses to advise them of the changes we’re bringing in on August 3, and we’ve spoken with disability access groups to ensure that these changes also work for them.

Now it’s over to us, to support our traders and help them recover and thrive. With restrictions being lifted, I’m sure we’re all looking forward to meeting with friends and family for a relaxing lunch or to do some leisurely shopping together.

What we’re asking you to do is to support local, independent traders, who really do need everyone to vote with their feet.

All we need now is a summer of fine weather which will make our time spent outdoors all the better!