Further monitoring on road changes following survey

More than 700 people responded to Harborough District Council’s recent public survey on road changes brought in to facilitate social distancing as town centre shops and businesses reopened following the Government’s easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

This included the temporary closure of Church Street and Adam and Eve Street in Market Harborough, suspension of on-street parking in Lutterworth and Kibworth Beauchamp, a 20mph speed limit in Fleckney, and a one-way system in Main Street in Broughton Astley.

The Council has thanked all those businesses, shoppers and residents who took the time to share their views.

The majority of people [approximately 80 per cent] who completed the survey felt the road changes did help with social distancing and safe queuing whilst visiting town centres.

Based on the survey results, some minor changes will be made to re-open a number of areas of on-street parking to help shoppers and other town centre users. On-street parking will be reopened in Market Harborough on Coventry Road and the High Street and in Kibworth Beachamp. The dates for this are to be confirmed.

However further monitoring is due to take place before further decisions are made on road changes in Adam and Eve Street and Church Street in Market Harborough.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District 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 in Market Harborough, and Church Street in Lutterworth. The ‘High-street Helpers’ are undertaking this observational research and will feedback their results so that further decisions can be made.

In addition, Council officers will be meeting with businesses in Church Street in Lutterworth and Church Street and Adam and Eve Street in Market Harborough over the next week, to listen to their feedback and concerns.

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