New social distancing measures are scheduled to be completed today (Sun) in Ashby town centre as part of the town council's business recovery plan.

The plan aims to ensure the safety of businesses and their customers in preparation for the Government's direction that all non-essential shops may be allowed to re-open from Monday, 15 June.

An Ashby de la Zouch Town Council statement explains: "Firstly, we are going to suspend the on-street parking by installing barriers thus giving extra room for pedestrians to walk and where pavements are narrow to allow queuing outside businesses.

"We are creating one-way systems for our alleyways and jitties to ensure there are no pinch points or clashes.

"Social distancing markers will be in place on the floor and tape defining queue lines and ends.

"A hand sanitiser station will be installed in the town centre for anyone to use, this will be refilled regularly.

"There will be a lot of positive messaging boards across the town reminding people of the guidance we have put in place."

Parking will be suspended from Peacocks to the bus stop bay, Frank Innes to Time Consortium, The Lamb to Town Hall Market and Super News to the bus stop.

As previously reported by Ashby Nub News, North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) will keep car parking free in Ashby's car parks until Wednesday, 1 July, when charges will be reinstated.

Council car parks will remain free for NHS staff beyond 1 July.

However, all on-street car parking enforcement will resume from tomorrow (Mon).

From June 15, public town centre toilets in Ashby will also be re-opened on Mondays to Saturdays with charges removed to reduce hand contact and the need to use coins at the entrances.

Coun John Coxon, Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, has said: "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."