Extra help for traders in Stourbridge

Dudley Council plans to pedestrianise the road from today as non-essential shops start to open.

It comes as the government gradually eases restrictions from the coronavirus lockdown.

Although shoppers have already contacted the council to praise plans to pedestrianise the High Street, and following feedback from traders, the council has made arrangements to allow deliveries throughout the day.

Deliveries will have access to load and unload at High Street and Market Street at all times, but will be monitored continuously while the council looks at alternative arrangements.

Barriers will be in place in the town centre from Sunday afternoon. They will be there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to widen the pavements and help people socially distance. Electronic signs will also be in place around the ring road to keep people informed of the changes.

An online hub has also been made available packed full of information, posters and videos for traders. Barriers and cones have also been drafted in to help people socially distance while walking through town centres

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environment, highways and street services, said: "We have worked really hard to try and put measures in place that protect both the public and traders.

"We have also made a guarantee to traders to be flexible and adapt our proposals to ensure they can receive their daily deliveries. Many of these businesses are not open yet and we have not given them the opportunity to let us know the impact of these changes, and it’s important we do that.

"We have received positive feedback from people about the pedestrianisation of the High Street and our plans also take into consideration the needs of our traders.

"Elsewhere in the borough, we have measures in place that will help both shoppers and traders stay safe, as well as keeping our important town centres going. As a trial measure, we have agreed with bus operators to move the High Street bus stop to the top of Lower High Street by the clock, just a short distance away, to make it easier for people to get to the shops."

Car parking in Stourbridge is available on Lower High Street, Coventry Street, Birmingham Street, Tesco, Wilkinson’s, Ryemarket multi-story and the open car park on Church Street, which is a short walk across the crossing in to the town.