Traders Call For Roads To Be Re-Opened To Traffic

The future of a Market Harborough charity shop is being threatened by the closure of Adam and Eve Street to traffic.

Age UK had been hoping to re-open their shop, but say the restriction is hampering footfall.

Executive Director of  UK Leicestershire and Rutland, Tony Donavon, spoke to Hfm:

 

Other shop owners in Market Harborough are backing to call to get Adam & Eve Street and Church Street back open to traffic.

They were shut when more shops re-opened last month, to help with safe queuing and social distancing.

But traders say the move isn’t needed and is having a detrimental affect.

Amber Lucas owns Gardners Cakery on Church Street:

 

Harborough Council say it is listening to feedback from traders and residents and reviewing the road closures on a weekly basis.

A letter has been sent to traders by Council Leader Phil King today:

“The temporary road closures were introduced to ensure businesses could operate safely, assist in queue management, help pedestrians negotiate the pavements/ streets, enable social distancing and so help reduce the risk to potential customers.

“As the government plans for the reopening of sectors like hairdressers, restaurants, bars and cafes, leisure and accommodation, there will potentially be a positive impact on footfall which are actively monitoring.

“We are reviewing these road closures weekly and have made a number of practical adjustments based on evidence and advice we receive from a range of sources including businesses and the public. There is no doubt as the sectors, mentioned above, return to the town centre, we will gain more intelligence about footfall patterns.

“We are continuing to share messages that the Harborough district is very much open for business, and not affected by the localised lockdown in Leicester. Measures have been put in place to create a safe and inviting environment for shoppers and to provide reassurance; however, we fully understand that some people are concerned.

“There are high footfall areas such as bakeries, banks and the Post Office, and with more sectors reopening, we are hopeful that more people will be encouraged to return to our town centres.”