Northallerton High Street is to remain closed to traffic for its twice weekly markets for the next six months, officials have announced.
Since the end of lockdown the road has been closed every Wednesday and Saturday to make shopping and working at the market stalls safer.
Hambleton District Council – which operates the markets – has agreed with highways officers at North Yorkshire County Council that the road will be closed to traffic twice a week until April.
However the new closure will be from Zetland Street to the Town Hall roundabout – not the full length of the road as currently occurs.
“Closing the road to traffic means the market and shops can operate together in a contained space which is safe for everyone – traders and shoppers,” said council leader, Councillor Mark Robson.
“We can allow for social distancing on the pavements on either side of the street as well.
“With the number of stalls reducing over the winter months we can limit the road closure so that traffic can travel as far as Zetland Street and use the lower end of the High Street for parking.”
The southern end of the High Street will still contain some stalls.
The closure – which costs the council £650 per week – is being funded through the European Regional Development Fund which provided the council with cash to help reeopne the high streets following the coronavirus lockdown.
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