Councils work together to boost social distancing in Witney

People visiting Witney town centre will benefit from increased pavement space thanks to the joint efforts of the district and county council.

Barriers have been placed on the town’s High Street to provide more space for shoppers to social distance as more businesses start to reopen.

West Oxfordshire District Council’s workers have installed the barriers and Oxfordshire County Council helped by providing the Traffic Regulation Order needed to allow part of the road to be dedicated like this.

County Councillor Liam Walker, Cabinet member for highway operation and delivery, said: “This is good news for Witney as it will help boost the confidence of visitors and businesses.

“People have seen social distancing in operation for a long time now in essential shops and when they are exercising. That experience will put places like Witney in a good position as more businesses start to open with the support of new social distancing infrastructure.

“This is a great example of councils working together for the good of residents and the local economy at a very testing time for everyone.”

Cllr Toby Morris, Cabinet Member for Resources at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This plan had to be put together very quickly as we tried to ensure residents could support non-essential local shops and businesses in a safe way.

“It would not have been possible without great team work involving Oxfordshire County Council, Witney Town Council and other stakeholders.”