Wells City Council has confirmed that parts of the city centre will be fully pedestrianised on a temporary basis from tomorrow (June 18).

From 8am, the Market Place and the lower part of the High Street, from Oxfam to the City Arms, will be closed to all traffic, with the plan to keep this pedestrianisation in place until September.

The pedestrianisation is part of the city's bid to help shops reopen and comply with the coronavirus shopping restrictions.

The main thoroughfare of Sadler Street, the main High Street and Broad Street will be joint priority for road users and pedestrians, using the one-way systems for shoppers we reported on yesterday.

Town clerk, Steve Luck, said that the closure of the main High Street to traffic would not be possible due to the number of people and businesses who require access.

He told Wells Nub News: "The sheer amount of properties and businesses along the High Street who do not have rear access would mean that it would be impossible for us to close it.

"There are places like the banks and other businesses who would need access, plus the need for disabled parking, so the High Street will only be changed to joint priority and not closed off to traffic.

"We have put these measures in place in help the shopping experience, while helping our shops reopen safely.

"The pedestrianisation of the Market Place and lower part of the High Street is in place 24 hours a day, will be enforced by barriers and signs, and we will probably keep it in place throughout the summer.

"This is all under constant review, and is a partnership between the city council, Mendip District Council and Somerset County Council."