Two roads in Harborough town centre that were closed amid the Covid-19 pandemic will re-open

Church Street was closed in an attempt to help shoppers.

Two roads at the heart of Market Harborough town centre that were closed amid the Covid-19 pandemic are to be re-opened.

Church Street and Adam and Eve Street have both been shut to traffic for about three months in an attempt to lure back more shoppers.

But some angry local traders have complained that banning drivers had hit them hard as footfall plunged.

The two roads will now re-open to motorists on or before Friday September 18 following a public survey, local observations and feedback from businesses.

Steps put in place in Church Street, Lutterworth, to widen the pavement with barriers will also be removed.

Harborough council has warned, however, that new action may have to be taken depending on how the Covid-19 pandemic evolves.

Cllr Phil King, the leader of Harborough council, said: “Introducing the measures was the right thing to do at the time to provide shoppers with the confidence to come back to our town centres and to support safe social distancing and safe queuing.

“That increased confidence, plus evidence we have gathered, suggests the current best approach is to re-open the roads.

“That said, we will be monitoring the situation and may have to take necessary actions if measures are needed in future to protect the public.”

‘High street helpers’ will continue to assist shoppers and public hand sanitiser points and street markings, showing people where to queue safely, will remain in place.

The council said the introduction of face coverings in shops, customer numbers dropping from an initial peak, and progress towards ‘normality’ means less need for road closures.

Research has shown that very few people are using the closed streets to walk on, preferring to stick to the pavements and queuing seems to be managed well. Deliveries have also become more difficult for businesses in closed streets.

“We would like to thank all those businesses, shoppers and residents who took the time to share their views as part of the consultation process,” said Phil.

“All views (put forward) have helped the discussions to identify the best way forward.”