City’s retail centre will remain pedestrian-only

THE main streets of Cornwall’s only city centre will be trafficfree when Truro high street is allowed to reopen, with pedestrianisation measures put in place once more.

Truro Partnership – a joint effort between Truro City Council, Truro BID and Visit Truro – and Cornwall Council have confirmed that many city centre roads will be closed to cars for part of each day when shops reopen.

The closures, which will be similar to those seen last June when Truro reopened, will be in effect from April 12 – subject to any delays from the Government in the easing of the lockdown.

Each day, the city’s main streets for shopping will be closed to road vehicles from 11am to 3pm. Roads which will see disruption to traffic are: Boscawen Street, Pydar Street, High Cross, King Street, Lower Lemon Street, Duke Street, St Nicholas Street and part of Quay Street.

The partnership has confirmed that all other roads in the city will be open as usual to cars.

As well as this, buses will still use Victoria Square.

Truro Partnership has said the move is to help keep social distancing measures in place while people return to the high streets.

There will be signs reminding people to keep their distance, as well as reminders to keep left while they are walking – similar to previous reopening plans.

Marshals will help people navigate the city centre and help manage queues.

The partnership added that the group had been meeting weekly to plan the measures, and would be keeping an eye on them to adjust them if needed.

Roger Gazzard, town clerk of Truro

City Council, said: “Truro City Council has been working closely with Truro BID and Cornwall Council to discuss Covid-19 restrictions and safety measures on a weekly basis. It’s been agreed that to follow the Government’s roadmap and support social distancing, Truro’s main streets will be traffic-free again for residents and visitors at peak times until June.”

Alun Jones, Truro BID manager, said: “We’re delighted that the Government’s roadmap sets out that many of Truro’s businesses can reopen from 12 April and we hope to see all of Truro’s businesses being able to reopen over the coming months.

“Truro’s great selection of independent and national businesses are getting ready to welcome everyone.”

‘We’re delighted that the Government’s roadmap sets out that many of Truro’s businesses can reopen’