Controversial Covid safety measures to be removed in Milton Keynes high street

During the first lockdown, MK Council carried out extensive works in Bletchley's Queensway to ensure shoppers could be socially distanced.

They closed a road to make part of the shopping area gated and pedestrianised, closed parking bays, and changed the rules for market traders

The changes caused a flood of complaints from traders, who said customers felt it was too difficult to shop in the town.

Similar Covid safety schemes in Newport Pagnell and Stony Stratford were scrapped or amended, but the council refused to budge on Bletchley.

But today an MK council spokesperson announced: "We’re making space for shoppers on Queensway. New measures will begin from Sunday 6 December."

She added: "In June we helped a number of high streets to reopen safely including Queensway, where we created a pedestrianised shopping area for market stalls, created space for social distancing and waived the licence fee so that cafes could put chairs and tables outside their premises to boost business.

"Responding to the seasonal changes and requests from Bletchley and Fenny Town Council, we will be removing this pedestrian area and will be making some extra improvements in December."

Work will begin this Sunday and will include removing the temporary road closure and gate, converting unused community transport parking into two-hour free parking bays, reverting Bedford Street back to a one-way street by removing signs and road markings, and adding loading signs and regulations for delivery vehicles.

The temporary disabled parking bays will be retained and unused taxi bays will become one hour parking bays for the public.

Queensway will also be given a mini facelift, with old, faded or damaged signs to be replaced with new ones and faded road markings to be refreshed,

Councillor Emily Darlington, Cabinet Member for Public Realm said, “The high street is essential for many people and we are working with the town council to make it a safe place to shop during this pandemic.

“Now that non-essential shops can reopen, they need your support to survive the pandemic and the biggest recession in years. Please consider buying your Christmas essentials and presents at a local high street retailer this year.”

Councillor Angela Kennedy, Chair of Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council, said: “We are pleased that Milton Keynes Council has listened to community views and we hope the changed arrangements encourage local people to visit Queensway.”