Row Over Street Closures Continues

Shoppers will be asked their views about on-going road closures in Market Harborough town centre as the restriction is regularly reviewed.

Road closure…Front, Amber Lucas of Gardners Cakery with Sara Storey of Cookshop, Emma Steed of Natures Pantry, Martin Dean of Lascelles and Jan Johnston of Jacks on Church Street.
PICE: ANDY CARPENTER

Some business owners in Church Street and Adam and Eve Street want them re-opened to traffic, saying it’s affecting trade, including because on-street parking being prevented.

But Harborough Council, which implemented the measures to help with social distancing and safe queuing, say the majority of businesses support the closures, and it expects footfall to increase when face masks become compulsory and more people feel confident to shop.

Amber Lucas runs Gardners Cakery on Church Street:

Cllr Phil King, Leader of the Council said:  “As more businesses and sectors reopen in the high street more people are coming into the town and staying longer. Our intelligence tells us that as people’s confidence is building, and as face masks become compulsory in shops, this is likely to boost confidence further and increase footfall.

“The majority of businesses we’ve spoken to support the road closures; however we understand that some businesses are not in favour of them. We do listen to feedback and are continuing to monitor and review all town centre measures on a regular basis. There have also been members of the public and businesses who have made suggestions to help with safety and these suggestions have been taken on board.

We will be carrying out a survey with the public to seek their views; this – along with other intelligence such as footfall counters – will ensure any temporary measures are based on evidence as well as compliance to legislation.”