The Square

To help reduce some risks raised by officers, four benches have been removed from the Square following reports of inappropriate use and social distancing not being suitably applied.

The Council is keen to ensure that seating remains available for the general public and nine benches remain within the Square and around the Old Market Hall to support local businesses and act as resting points for the elderly and the general public.

The area in the Square will continue to be reviewed to help ensure that there is a balance between all issues being raised and the need for open space/seating. In doing so, we need to ensure it is used in a safe and responsible manner

There is a lot of positive work to help support and free up space to support the many businesses affected by COVID-19 and help promote outdoor seating areas. This will become more visible as we progress with more businesses from the hospitality trade opening from 4 July.

Pride Hill

To allow space for the general public to move through and to help enable social distancing, a number of benches have been removed at the top of Pride Hill and some smaller seats in the middle section. These areas were too crowded to enable the public to observe social distancing guidelines.

The Pride Hill area will continue to be reviewed to help ensure that there is a balance between all issues being raised and the need for open space/seating. In doing so, we need to ensure it is used in a safe and responsible manner.