Concern as distancing barriers taken down

TOWNSPEOPLE have expressed concern that barriers erected to allow shoppers to maintain social distancing have been removed.

North West Leicestershire District Council said it would be taking down the barriers in Market Street, Ashby, to free up parking spaces.

The council posted: “We’re constantly reviewing the Covid-19 measures we have put in place.

“The support of the public and businesses in Ashby in recent weeks means we feel the barriers running alongside market street can now be removed, without impacting on your ability to social distance.

“This will free up the parking spaces.

“Please continue to stay safe, respect others and follow the guidelines that remain in place.”

On the council’s Facebook page, one person posted: “The disease has not gone away by any means, so not quite sure why restrictions are changing. We should still be as careful as we were before.”

Councillor Andrew Woodman said: “We took a cautious approach and vowed to monitor this situation and listen to feedback.

“It’s become clear shoppers in Ashby are taking a sensible approach when it comes to social distancing and the barriers are not serving a necessary purpose.

“Government guidelines have also since relaxed to a one-metre plus approach in an effort to support businesses reopening.

“All other measures such as one-way systems, hand sanitiser stations and the public awareness campaign continue to be in place.

“This is allowing our retail and night-time economies to reopen.”