Social distancing measures to return to Shrewsbury town centre next week
Social distancing measures will be brought back to Shrewsbury town centre as shoppers return after lockdown next week.
Shropshire Council has confirmed that the pedestrian zone along High Street will be re-introduced from 11am-4pm to enable more space for people to move around and observe social distancing during the busiest part of the day.
Shropshire will be in the Tier 2 "high alert" when the national lockdown ends, meaning non-essential shops will be allowed to reopen.
Pubs and restaurants will also be allowed to trade but only to customers who buy a "substantial meal" during their visit. In Tier 3 areas only takeaway or delivery will be allowed.
More Covid-19 coverage:
Incoming traffic will not be allowed up Wyle Cop or along High Street in Shrewsbury during the hours of 11am-4pm and drivers needing to travel past the town centre will be encouraged to use the inner ring road.
All car parks will remain open and accessible with no charges in all Shropshire Council car parks from 11am each day from December 3 until January 17.
Similar measures were in place until the national lockdown was implemented earlier this month.
Shrewsbury Recovery Taskforce, made up of Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council and Shrewsbury BID, say safety is the most important thing to bear in mind when restrictions are lifted.
Kevin Lockwood, manager of Shrewsbury Shopping Centres and part of the taskforce, said: “Everyone is understandably very keen to see some sort of normality returning, and it’s very good news that shops and hospitality businesses hoping to open their doors again in December.
“However, it is absolutely vital that we all remember the basics, just like we did back in the summer, to observe social distancing, sanitise our hands and wear masks inside public spaces.
“Removing through-traffic from the centre of town enables us to create a more comfortable and spacious environment for people.
“We are also looking to remove some of the street furniture on Pride Hill to make it easier for people to follow the rules.
“We all need to keep doing everything we can to keep Shrewsbury safe and welcoming for everyone.”
Extra cleaning operatives, funded by Shrewsbury Recovery Taskforce, are continuing to patrol Shrewsbury town centre, sanitising common touchpoints like cashpoints, bus stops and benches to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
