PEOPLE are disregarding the one-way pedestrian system introduced to help maintain social distancing in Ross-on-Wye.

Ross town council announced the recommendations last week in the hope that it would help shoppers visiting the town centre keep their distance from each other.

Their guidance suggests pedestrians should keep to the left-hand side of the road when walking on High Street, Gloucester Road, Brookend Street and Broad Street.

But the measures have been ridiculed by many local residents on social media and as more shops opened their doors many people were seen walking up and down the town as they would normally.

Mayor Daniel Lister admitted that they had no powers to enforce the one-way-system but that he hoped it would help.

“It’s not being enforced,” he said.

“It’s a recommendation. No one will be forced to do this. Some won’t like it and some will find comfort from it.

“Let’s just hope it will help some people.”

Ross Town Council issued a statement about the measures last week.

“As shops begin to open on Monday morning, the town council, with the support of the police, are introducing a one-way system for pedestrians in the town centre to help shoppers feel safe.

“To help to avoid meeting people face-to-face on narrow pavements, we are asked to walk on the left hand pavement as we face forwards and to wait to go into shops facing the same way, always keeping two metres apart.

“Volunteers from the community development trust will be about to help you and directional arrows and maps will be displayed. We hope you will support our shops in a safe manner.”