Social distancing measures seen in Bath will soon be rolled out to towns in North East Somerset.

Pavements have been widened and parking removed from numerous city streets – sparking rebellion in Larkhall from residents concerned about the impact on trade.

As in Bath, the public will not be consulted before similar schemes are introduced in Peasedown St John, Radstock and Midsomer Norton but officers have been speaking to ward members.

Councillor Joanna Wright confirmed Bath and North East Somerset Council was considering closing Keynsham High Street to traffic.

Speaking during a recent webinar on "reopening our high streets", the cabinet member for transport said: "We're working at all times with ward councillors to make sure that what we deliver is what they think is wanted and needed in the area, so it's not just officers going in and making those decisions.

"We're talking to those ward councillors because we realise they know their areas well and understand the needs that will help people create social distancing spaces."

The council is not consulting before installing the measures because it has to act quickly to secure Government funding.

Yesterday (June 15) Cheap Street, Westgate Street, Saw Close, Upper Borough Walls and York Street in Bath closed to motor vehicles between 10am and 6pm and the parking bays were removed.

Cllr Wright said the council has the legal power to "close" Keynsham's High Street but officers are still considering what the ramifications would be, adding: "It's clearly something we're looking at doing but I don't want to say it's definitely in the mix, because I might be wrong.

"Something is going to take place but I don't know what it is.

"We're endlessly reviewing the decisions we've made. We know some people don't like them, some people do like them, some people don't want them to stay, some people want them to be implemented forever."

She previously said it was "unlawful and a threat to public health" when bollards placed in Larkhall High Street to widen the pavements to create space for social distancing were removed by members of the public.

More than 800 people have now signed a petition calling on the council to remove the "unnecessary" bollards, claiming cars can now speed through the "deserted" streets.

Keynsham South ward member Lisa O'Brien is concerned about the impact if the town's High Street closes to traffic.

She said: "It is not a 'destination shop'. It is a local centre where almost overwhelmingly visitors shop for small value, quick decision, often top-up purchases. However, visual access to the store and its windows is important to encourage purchasing.

"We do not have an Ikea in the High Street, so queues so far seen are not greater than two or three people, so plenty of room. I do hope they will not insist on closure."

Cllr Chris Watt, who represents Midsomer Norton Redfield, said he understood the need for social distancing but was concerned that losing too many parking spaces to extend the pavement would make some shops unviable.

He said the council should speak to Lidl, M&Co and Argos about temporarily using their car parks as public car parks, adding: "That would enable us to be more generous with the pavements and make the retail offer more viable and would create more footfall for those three bigger retailers.

"It would create ample temporary parking for the high street."

He said the measures were set to be installed on June 26.

Cllr June Player's Westmoreland ward includes Moorland Road, another area where social distancing measures have been introduced. She asked the webinar if the council would support businesses if the social distancing measures affected their income.

Council chief executive Will Godfrey said the authority's own financial position is "pretty challenged", adding: "It's difficult to see how we would be able to provide direct financial support. We want to work with people to see what the best way of supporting businesses over what's a very difficult period.

"Direct financial support is very difficult to deliver."

Council leader Dine Romero said: "If any business is struggling, let us know and we'll see what's possible."