NEW signs and pathway stickers will be going up in Bourton-on-the-Water from this evening (Friday, June 5), to help residents and visitors to continue to socially distance as restrictions continue to be eased.  

The signs, encouraging people to stay 2m apart and ‘stay left’ of a pathway, will be put up on streets in the centre of Bourton village.

Staying to the left on a path will allow pedestrians to pass each other with the greatest space. Floor markings and stickers will help guide shoppers and residents in keeping the right distance from each other as shops and other local facilities start to re open.

Highways crew will put these measures in place this evening ready for the weekend and staff will be on hand between Saturday and Monday, to help make residents and visitors aware of the signs as they navigate the village.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for environment and planning, said, “This is the third of four trial schemes we have now put in place as part of the first phase of this Government initiative, for which we have received £288,000; helping to get the county moving again, whilst supporting people to follow necessary social distancing measures.

"By using visual reminders here we hope everyone will be able to stay apart, stay safe and enjoy all that Bourton has to offer.

“These trial schemes will help inform a second phase when money is made available from Government. Whilst we wait for further, more detailed guidance on phase 2 funding, we are working hard with district council colleagues to identify more potential schemes that could be put in place so we are ready to start work as quickly as possible to help support local areas to thrive, whilst maintaining current Government guidance on social distancing”.

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, local member for Bourton on the Water, said, “I welcome the steps being put in place. They will help promote a safer environment as visitor numbers increase and residents register concerns over social distancing.

“I hope this is just the first of a number of initiatives in Bourton to promote health and wellbeing in the centre of the village. I’d encourage people to give their feedback on this scheme so it can work as well as possible for them.” 

Last week, Bath Road in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury High Street saw parking bays converted into extra space for pedestrians.

For more about the scheme, go to gloucestershire.gov.uk/cycling-and-walking-social-distancing-scheme