CHANGES are set to be made to Stratford town centre as lockdown measures begin to ease.
Last summer a temporary scheme was set up to enable social distancing and to give businesses more space outside.
Throughout lockdown the High Street has reopened, but council and business representatives have met this week to discuss changes.
It will see the road closed each day between 11am and 6pm from Monday March 29 – the date when the new rule of six, or two households, is brought into place.
Council bosses believe this, along with the Easter break, will bring an increase in visitors to the town centre.
The decision will be reviewed in late May but is expected to remain in place until at least June 21.
The barriers on Bridge Street will also remain allowing more space to be allocated for pedestrians and for tables and chairs.
Warwickshire County Council’s transport spokesman coun Jeff Clarke said: “We have been working with our key partners to get Stratford town centre ready to safely reopen. We want to do all that we can to support local businesses to make sure that they can get their businesses back up and running while continuing to be vigilant against the spread of the virus.
“We will continue to work with them and take on board any feedback in the coming weeks as we see how the partial reopening of the town takes shape.”
Stratford mayor Tony Jackson welcomed the changes.
He added: “Our priority is to ensure public safety at all times. As Easter approaches and spring is definitely in the air, it is imperative that we are ready to re-open safely and responsibly as we look forward to welcoming residents and visitors back into town.”
