Barriers for safe shopping

The move by Leeds City Council will see a one way system put in place along North Street and High Street and the loss of 11 car parking spaces.

A spokesman for Leeds City Council said: “In line with Government advice regarding social distancing, we have been installing a series of barriers in some of our district centres to widen pedestrian and pavement areas, helping people maintain the appropriate distance while supporting local businesses.

“After discussions with local businesses, this will include Wetherby High Street and part of North Street.

“These barriers remain an important part of ensuring our local high streets remain safe and shops are able trade while adhering to current restrictions.”

Wetherby Business Association said there was some good news that only 11 parking spaces would be lost and all of the car parks will remain open.

Chairman Paul Finder added: “The way in which the core of the town has developed historically means that certain areas cannot be accessed with a distance of two or even one metre between shoppers.

“Wetherby Business Association does not usually favour restrictions on trade but it is difficult to see any alternative given the current rules if the town is to get back to anything like normality, to enable local businesses to survive the crisis.

“Turnover, footfall and easy access are vital for small shops so preserving most of our parking is essential.

“Overall, thanks to our ward councillors, Leeds seems to have heeded our concerns and is limiting street works to the minimum necessary for public safety.

“There will, of course, be some disruption and the association is encouraging traders to notify me of any specific concerns.

“These are appalling times for our small businesses but Wetherby has a great community spirit and can thrive if it has enough local support.“

Wetherby ward members said a lot of work had gone on behind the scenes.

Coun Alan Lamb said: “We’ve worked closely with council officers and the business community in Wetherby to try to reach a balanced position that enables social distancing to be safely maintained while ensuring we support businesses by retaining as much car parking as possible.

“The original proposals would have seen all the car parking in Market Place lost, the market unable to run and the majority of on street parking disappeared.

“We were able to persuade officers that this was overkill.

“Hopefully, we have found a balanced solution but we will continue to monitor the situation and lobby for further changes if necessary.”

Coun Norma Harrington added: “I welcome any initiatives that help our residents and independent businesses to get back to some kind of new normal.”

Coun Linda Richards said she was pleased that they had collaborated on the scheme.

“This location is at the heart of our community, so we have to get it right.”

Catherine Spence of Sant Angelo’s told the Wetherby News that she did not agree with the idea.

“I feel this will have a detrimental effect for the small independent shops on the High Street.

“I suggest Leeds City Council look at how this is working in other towns and they will see it has deterred shoppers coming into town.”

But after Tuesday’s announcement by the Government signalling the reopening of restaurants she said they are looking forward to next month.

“We are delighted to reopen Sant Angelo’s on Saturday 4th July to welcome diners, we can’t wait to cook for you all again.

“We will be operating in accordance with government guidelines and assure our customers that we will be able to rearrange our tables to meet within the one metre rule.”