Following consultations with businesses, Shepton Mallet Town Council has decided against the temporary pedestrianisation of the High Street.

As Shepton Mallet Nub News reported last week, the town council was considering the plan to aid social distancing as shops reopen following the coronavirus lockdown.

However, after consultations were carried out as quickly as possible, it as decided that any pedestrianisation would be detrimental to the businesses themselves.

Town clerk Charlotte Starkie told Shepton Mallet Nub News: "Regarding the proposal to pedestrianise the centre of Shepton Mallet, it was necessary to undertake some public consultation with the businesses, in a very short time frame.

"But I am pleased to report that some businesses and members of the public have shared their views with us and on balance there was a strong opinion that to pedestrianise the centre of town in High Street and Town Street would have been counterproductive to the reopening of the town centre and would have a negative impact on the very businesses that are needing customers more than ever.

"Many of the businesses in the centre of town rely on customers who can have quick and easy access, as well as the centre of town providing parking for those with mobility issues. To close the roads would have had a negative impact and discouraged people from visiting.

"Clearly there were also some that were in favour of a pedestrianisation and there will be inconveniences to some who would prefer that there is a greater space for social distancing, but for now we have asked that no action be taken.

"Therefore the centre of Shepton Mallet will remain as it is, but will be monitored and signage will be put up which will encourage people to social distance."

High Street pedestrianisation has been undertaken in Glastonbury and Street, while parts of Wells city centre have been closed to traffic.