One way not the other on Barton Street
A one way pedestrian system has been put in place on Barton Street to reduce the spread of Covid-19. The area has many BAME communities, which research shows are more at risk of catching the virus.
Gloucester City Council has put a one way pedestrian system in place on Barton Street to help people socially distance on the popular city shopping street.
Narrow pavements make it difficult for pedestrians to walk down Barton Street and be at a safe distance from others outside their household, and be safe from other hazards such as traffic.
The council’s solution has been to put in a one way system, with signs and stickers along the way to remind people of which direction they should be going in on each side of the street. The stickers and signs have been placed along Barton Street with the help and support of Gloucestershire County Council’s Highways team.
The signs and stickers have been paid for with money from the European Regional Development Fund’s (ERDF) Reopening High Streets Safely Fund. The grant can be used by councils to encourage and support people back to the high streets and shopping spaces safely as Covid-19 restrictions lift.
The public can also reduce the risk of catching or spreading Covid-19 by following the national guidance. This includes:
- Washing your hands before leaving the house and on returning home
- Wearing a face covering in shops from 24 July 2020
- Staying 2 metres apart from those outside your household or bubble
- Wearing a face covering if full social distancing isn’t possible
- Staying home if you feel unwell
Cllr Dawn Melvin, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Recovery, said: “It’s really important for the city and its local business owners that we get people back on to high streets and in to shops, but it’s got to be safely.
“We’re fully committed to helping businesses and customers wherever we can to reduce the spread of Coronavirus, and implementing a one way system makes it easier for everyone to follow the national guidance and also be safe from other risks.”
Full details of COVID-19 guidance can be found on: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
European Regional Development Fund
The council has received £115,135 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding