Social distancing barriers removed
Barriers on Well Street in Paisley have been removed as Renfrewshire Council announced it would replace them with parking spaces following an outcry from traders.
The barricades were installed as part of the Scottish Government Spaces for People fund to help enable social distancing.
Social distancing barriers were placed in eight different locations, including Glasgow Road, Penilee Road and Well Street, Paisley; Main Road, Elderslie; Church Street and High Street, Johnstone and Porterfield Road, Renfrew.
Council bosses announced a U- turn on the barriers after businesses claimed they were having a detrimental effect on trade.
They are now set to install additional parking spaces, disabled bays and a loading bay for deliveries to “ensure that the customers can access these businesses safely”.
However councillors have dubbed the move as “damage control” as businesses are claiming the council installed the barriers without informing them.
Ward councillors Karen Kennedy and Kenny MacLaren have called for an investigation into the actions of the council.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “We are always ready and willing to listen to our communities and, having met with the businesses on Well Street, we are happy to introduce some changes.
“To enable physical distancing to take place, barriers had been set up to widen the footway as part of immediate measures, but it’s recognised that there is an impact on the businesses at this location due to the current restrictions on this particular street.
“Th e r e f o re, f o l l owi n g discussions with them, these will be removed, and the current road restrictions will be amended to create additional parking spaces, disabled bays and a loading bay for deliveries. This will ensure that the customers can access these businesses safely, and we will monitor this area to ensure the physical distancing can still take place appropriately.
“We hope that this will help local businesses on Well Street as we continue to encourage people to Spend Local during these difficult times.”