PLANS to transform Shaftesbury’s High Street into a temporary pedestrianised zone have been approved, to enable shoppers to social distance safely as businesses start to reopen.

From June 15, the area between Angel Square and The Grosvenor Arms will be void of traffic between 9am and 4pm every day.

The idea, put forward by the Shaftesbury and District Chamber of Commerce, was backed by majority of councillors at the online town council meeting Thursday night, May 28, and it is now up to Dorset Council to decide how to execute the agreed plans.

As previously reported, Virginia Edwyn-Jones, chairman of the chamber, said that Shaftesbury is known for being a hilltop town with a “very specific layout” and “narrow paths”, which sometimes causes shoppers to walk in the road to overtake others.

Heard at the meeting, Councillor Piers Brown said the changes to the High Street would be “a response to these extraordinary circumstances”, and is not a permanent change.

Concerns were raised including deliveries to High Street businesses with no rear entrance, in addition to the impact on bus journeys, parking and accessibility for Blue-Badge holders and the traffic flow on surrounding roads.

It was also criticised that not enough businesses had been asked to provide feedback during an informal consultation on the matter, with only 15 High Street businesses successfully contacted.

Shaftesbury Town Council business manager Brie Logan defended the figure however, explaining that some businesses had no voicemail option and others had not responded to emails.

New collection and drop off points for buses, parking spaces for disabled as close to the High Street as possible, ramps onto the pavement from roads, free masks and onsite volunteer ambassadors were some of the suggestions put forward to keep the area safe but practical.

Eight out of ten councillors supported the pedestrianisation plans.

In response to the plans going ahead, Virginia said: “I am thrilled everyone is on board and has been so incredibly helpful so far, and I’m happy we have a positive message to give to shoppers.

“Some businesses are concerned, but we want to give shoppers this maximum confidence to come back. We want to let everyone know Shaftesbury is open again for business.”

Majority of councillors also backed the motion to spend up to £5,000 on the road closure.

  • This story is part of the Journal's new publication, the Vale Journal, which covers Shaftesbury, Gillingham, and the wider Blackmore Vale. Got a story for us? Email editor@valejournal.co.uk or find us on Facebook.