Planned temporary works to maintain social distancing in Pudsey town centre have been revealed, writes Martin Smith.
Leeds City Council has drawn up proposals to temporarily extend pathways in local centres across Leeds to allow social distancing as people access shops, schools and services as lockdown measures ease.
Local councillors are being consulted on the proposed measures, which will see red and white plastic barriers filled with water extended into roads, like the one installed on Mill Hill in Leeds city centre on Monday:
Areas of concern currently earmarked for barriers in the market town of Pudsey include:
- Outside One Stop on Lowtown
- Outside the pharmacy on Church Lane, opposite the bus station.
The Church Lane, Robin Lane, Lowtown and Lidget Hill junction, which currently includes HSBC and NatWest Banks, has also been highlighted as an area to be monitored, but difficult to improve for pedestrians due to the existing barriers.
Other areas of Pudsey town centre which have been considered but have been classed as ‘adequate’ by the council are:
- Greggs, B&M and off-licence on Church Lane and Market Place
- Various shops along Lowtown
- Boots on Church Lane
- Shops along Galloway Lane in Pudsey
A council spokesperson said:
“The review has included the city centre and the local centres in each ward to identify any particular areas of concern where pavement may be narrow, where shops may generate queues, which in turn may stop pedestrians passing safely.
“The aim is to support the reopening of businesses but also has to ensure that the function of the highway is maintained and that it is as safe as it can be for the public.
“It is most important to emphasise that these measures are intended to complement a responsible approach to social distancing by members of the public and businesses directed by the government and set out in their guidelines.”
To help with the two-metre social distancing, businesses can use tape to mark the pavement in front of their store.