Reduced hours for the temporary closure of Keynsham High Street introduced in July to provide more space for social distancing will come into operation tomorrow (October 23).

Following discussions with residents and businesses, Bath & North East Somerset Council is relaxing the road closure to operate from 10am to 4pm each day instead of 9am to 5pm.

This will allow greater opportunities for vulnerable people to access the shops and services they need and give businesses more time to access their premises. All other restrictions will remain the same.

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: "Creating enough space for social distancing is paramount to everyone's health, but it's clear from listening to everyone's views that changing the timings of the road closure will help vulnerable people access the services they need. Reducing the hours will provide more opportunities for disabled people to get to the shops. It will also mean businesses have more time to load and unload goods.

"Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to talk to us about the closure and I hope the reduced timings will help people who have been experiencing difficulties. These measures allow people to maintain social distancing so please remember to follow the rules and keep yourself and others safe."

The temporary closure was introduced on July 13 under emergency measures due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, the council has monitored the measures and engaged with residents, businesses, users of the High Street and local councillors.

Full details of the access restrictions can be found by clicking HERE: [Lhttps://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/streets-and-highway-maintenance/highway-improvements-traffic-management/traffic-schemes-2[L+]the B&NES site[.L]