HEREFORDSHIRE councillors say they welcome feedback on the temporary traffic measures they have implemented in Leominster.

The county council has made a series of changes across the county to help prevent the spread of coronavirus as the lockdown is eased.

In Leominster, High Street and Corn Square are now closed to vehicles from 10am to 1pm Monday to Saturday.

And a 20mph limit covers the town centre and Hereford Road as far as Leominster Primary School.

These changes are part of an initiative funded by central government to provide safe space for people during the pandemic.

The measures should help prevent the virus spreading as transmission is greatly reduced outdoors and where people are able to keep at least a metre apart.

However, there has been backlash from local businesses who say the changes are having an impact on trade.

Leominster South ward councillor Trish Marsh said: “I know it is a difficult time to be trading and that feelings are running high on how to support our businesses and towns to weather the Covid storm.

“The part time pedestrianisation of High Street and Corn Square and 20mph zone in the town centre are Herefordshire Council initiatives, responding to a request from central government to rapidly make more safe room available in our streets for walkers, shoppers and cyclists during the Covid pandemic.

“It is primarily a public health measure. These measures are made under a temporary traffic regulation order and can be adjusted in response to feedback."

People can comment on the measures by clicking here.

“Here you can add your comments to a map-based system after typing in Leominster," coun Marsh added.

“This is the place where your feedback – positive, negative and suggested improvements – can make a difference to the measures in place.”

She said she was very grateful to the town council for their comments on the scheme.

“The scheme itself is wholly the responsibility of the highway authority, Herefordshire Council,” she added.

“Leominster Town Council does many excellent things: running the highways is not one of them.

“Among its many important roles, the town council will be contributing to the new heritage action zone, which will invest over £4m in Leominster town centre over the next four years.”

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