Derbyshire town centres set for big changes to make shopping safer

Council leaders are introducing a series of changes in Derbyshire’s town centres in a bid to make them safer for shoppers as lockdown is eased.
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Derbyshire County Council says some streets will be made one-way or closed to traffic – with the aim of making pavements wider so people can shop safely and have enough room to queue outside shops.

It is also likely some on-street car parking bays will be closed.

Chesterfield shops have reopened but visitors can expect changes in the town centre.Chesterfield shops have reopened but visitors can expect changes in the town centre.
Chesterfield shops have reopened but visitors can expect changes in the town centre.
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The council’s cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, Councillor Simon Spencer, said: “We’ve looked at all our town centres to see what changes we could make quickly to give more space for shoppers.

“Our priority has been to make pavements wider to give people the space for social distancing. This is about balancing the public health need with the needs of those who use our towns and villages.

“It’s also about giving confidence to get people back into our towns and villages and doing all we can to support our local businesses.”

Buxton shops have reopened but visitors can expect changes in the town centre.Buxton shops have reopened but visitors can expect changes in the town centre.
Buxton shops have reopened but visitors can expect changes in the town centre.

He said the county council had been tasked with making the changes by the Government in a ‘very tight timescale’.

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“All our councillors are involved and are more than happy to talk to local residents or businesses,” Coun Spencer added.

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“We are able to adjust and tweak what we’ve done, so if anyone has any constructive ideas then please let your local county councillor know.

“We’d ask everyone to take care, follow any new signs, stay safe and keep their distance from other shoppers.”

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