Many of you may be aware of the changes at West Bay, but here is why they are in place.

Now that restrictions have started to be relaxed and shoppers are able to return to the high street, Dorset Council and town and parish councils have been working with local businesses and organisations to ensure that people can keep safe while out and about.

In West Bay, this has resulted in the junction of George Street onto West Bay Road being closed to vehicles, creating a larger area for people near the kiosks and the bus stop by the George Hotel being moved to the layby outside The Salt House. There is a two-way system now in place by the welcome hub and motorcycle parking.

Work is underway and will continue over the coming weeks to implement various measures on the high street designed to help shoppers stay safe.

These include:

o Stencilled markings and signs around busy areas, including bus stops, helping people to observe social-distancing

o Widening footways and cycleways by temporarily closing parking bays and cutting back vegetation

o Scheduled partial road closures to provide more space for pedestrians, especially around food huts and vans

o Creating additional cycle parking and new cycle routes

o In the longer-term, pedestrianising busy areas with large numbers of cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars.

Dorset Council is also planning to open public toilets which will have full hand-washing facilities available. Some will remain closed while changes are made to make sure they are safe for public use.

Cllr Gary Suttle, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for economic growth and skills, said: “By staying local we can continue to limit the spread of Covid-19, and I urge you to shop locally where possible to show support for our businesses in these extremely difficult times.

“This is a crucial time for local business-owners who want to welcome shoppers back while ensuring that their customers stay safe. By councils working together with businesses and their customers, we can maintain public health and support the economy to start re-opening safely.

“Local businesses need your support right now to ensure they can continue to trade in the future. Our message for residents is if you continue to follow the public health guidance around Covid-19 it’s safe to get back out there and do some shopping on your high street.”