A busy public footpath in Armley has been extended as part of measures to improve social distancing
From today (Tuesday 26 May) Branch Road has had social distancing signs and 100 metres of barriers installed.
These measures will be to temporarily extend the pathway to enable social distancing so that people can safely access local shops and centres or pass by those queuing to enter shops. This measures are being introduced following consultation with local ward councillors. It joins locations including:
Otley – Kirkgate and Boroughgate (100 metre barriers)
Chapel Allerton – along the A61 Harrogate Road (150 metre barriers)
Morley – Albion Street (100 metre barriers)
The first phase of social distancing measures were introduced earlier this month in Leeds city centre. Temporary pavement widening has taken place at locations including: Mill Hill, Call Lane, New York Street, Upper Briggate, St Paul’s Street and Great George Street. This is in addition to the permanent schemes underway on The Headrow and Park Row and the pedestrianisation of Greek Street and Cookridge Street.
Over the coming weeks, phase three will see social distancing measures rolled out to all the remaining local centres. The Dispatch reported on proposed measures in Pudsey last week.
The council has also launched an interactive website to share details of planned measures and to enable residents to give their views.
Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, said:
“Wider footways will make it possible for people to safely access workplaces if they cannot work from home, or schools for those children who are returning to their school setting, for exercise and to make essential journeys to other facilities like food shops or pharmacies.
“As the government continues to announce further plans to ease out of the lockdown, we’re prioritising action locally to promote walking and cycling. These measures will not only enable people to move around safely now, but will contribute to a sustained lowering of our carbon footprint, help to maintain improvements in air quality and improve the health of our residents for the longer term.”
The Branch Road measures were also welcomed by Armley Labour councillor Lou Cunningham on Twitter:
Great to see these measures being put in place for our safety in #armley #branchroad@ConnectingLeeds @lisamulherin @Leeds_Highways @WLDispatch @Alice_Smart @JamesMc41033037 https://t.co/74cE1qKzAW
— lou cunningham (@armley_lou) May 27, 2020
