WORK on a temporary one-way system in Bradford on Avon town centre will begin after Thursday, August 13 to create wider pavements for social distancing.

The move will affect the Town Bridge, Silver Street and Market Street.

Cllr Sarah Gibson, chairman of Wiltshire Council's local Community Area Transport Group, said: "This will enable social distancing without pedestrians stepping into the road.

"The measures will be temporary but are an exciting step towards achieving our long-term goal of a pedestrian-friendly town centre.

"Changes in air quality, traffic speed and volume will be monitored carefully.

"We can assess the advantages and disadvantages of this type of scheme as we plan for the future."

The proposal was submitted to Wiltshire Council in April and since then, the CATG has worked closely with local campaign group, Streets Ahead and Wiltshire highways on the detailed design for the proposals, which have been delayed by changes in government funding.

The closure of Silver Street in July for other road works to take place has meant the scheme had to wait.

Cllr Gibson added: "The need for social distancing is ongoing and more traffic is likely when schools return in September, so the scheme is essential.

"The town council has agreed in principle to fund it and I have appreciated working with other councillors on this."