Ashby de la Zouch Town Council has been encouraged by the response to the social distancing measures that were introduced in Market Street this week.

New Floor markings, signage and barriers have been set up in Ashby town centre to help shoppers and businesses adhere to social distancing guidance.

A one-way system is in operation in Mill Lane Mews and street parking has been considerably reduced to allow more space for the public to keep a safe distance.

Businesses have also being delivered a guide to help them adapt their business and manage customers in a safe environment.

And town council officials are thought to be happy with the way the changes have been received in the town so far.

They will know more when non-essential businesses are permitted to open on June 15.

By then, the new street design will have been in place for a fortnight.

But it is understood that no shops would have been allowed to have re-opened if the changes had not been made.

Businesses will only be allowed to operate again if safety measures are seen to be in place while the lockdown is still being eased.

It has been made clear the restrictions are temporary and will be closely monitored.

But the Town Council feels the online response has been around 70 per cent in favour of what is being done to get the town's economy running again.

The council has asked for 'Street Ambassador' volunteers who will be the eyes and ears to see what works with the system and what does not Town Council Seeking Volunteers To Help Get Ashby Businesses Up And Running Again

But the idea behind the changes is to make sure people are safe when they visit the town centre and make sure any queues are managed in line with Government guidelines.

As part of the restoration and renewal Ashby town centre, North West Leicestershire District Council will keep car parking free until Wednesday, July 1.

Councillor John Coxon, Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, said last week: "The re-opening of the town centre is an important part of the plan to get people back to work.

"Inevitably there will have to be some changes in the way that we go about our daily life in and around Market Street, at least in the short-term.

"It's absolutely vital to the long-term future of Ashby that we support the business community in whatever we can.

"Let's hope that this is the first step in reinvigorating our town and getting back to 'normal', however that may look in the future."