Parking areas sealed off during the Covid-19 lockdown set to be re-opened in Harborough and Kibworth

Parking areas sealed off during the Covid-19 lockdown are to be re-opened in Market Harborough and Kibworth Beauchamp.

On-street parking will be re-opened on Coventry Road and on the High Street in Market Harborough as well as in Kibworth Beachamp.

The move’s going ahead after over 700 people responded to Harborough council’s public survey on road changes.

The authority closed certain roads and parking spots during the coronavirus pandemic to support social distancing as town centre shops and businesses re-opened when lockdown restrictions were eased.

Church Street and Adam and Eve Street in Market Harborough have been shut with on-street parking suspended in Lutterworth and Kibworth Beauchamp.

A 20mph speed limit was imposed in Fleckney and a one-way system introduced in Main Street, Broughton Astley.

The council has thanked all those businesses, shoppers and residents who took part in the district-wide study.

About 80 per cent of people felt the road changes did help social distancing and safe queuing while visiting town centres, the council said.

Further monitoring is due to take place before the council decides whether to re-open Adam and Eve Street and Church Street in Market Harborough.

Cllr Phil King, who leads Harborough council, said: “Whilst it is positive that the number of cases of Covid-19 both nationally and locally continues to fall, the council is aware of the increase in cases in Northamptonshire and mindful of the continuation of some restrictions in Leicester.

“We are therefore continuing to actively monitor the current road changes and road closures and the ongoing need for them to support social distancing.”

As well as the survey feedback, the council wants to establish the extent to which there is ease of movement, including social distancing, in Adam and Eve Street and Church Street and Church Street, Lutterworth.

The council’s ‘High-street Helpers’ are carrying out observational research and will feed back their results so further decisions can be made.

Council officers will also be talking to business owners in Church Street, Lutterworth, and Church Street and Adam and Eve Street in Market Harborough over the next few days.

“It is clear that people have varying views on these road measures and we do not want to make any decisions lightly,” added Cllr King.

“I welcome this further observational work so we have further evidence to draw upon.”

The council is continuing to work with other organisations to support local businesses at this time.

For more information visit www.harborough.gov.uk/towncentres