Clitheroe town centre pedestrianised to boost local business and keep shoppers safe

Coun. Stephen Atkinson launching the campaign. Picture by Kelvin Stuttard

The move is one of several measures featured in Ribble Valley Borough Council’s new campaign, #LoveRibbleValley. The campaign is designed to let shoppers know that the borough is open for business and Covid-secure.

Shops and businesses are being encouraged to use the campaign materials to let people know they have reopened and outline the measures they have put in place to ensure the safety of their staff and customers.

The campaign will see #LoveRibbleValley public safety signage and bollard sleeves in the centres of Clitheroe, Longridge and Whalley, and ‘reverse graffiti’ on pavements reminding people to ‘keep their distance’ and ‘be kind and respect others’.

And council bosses hope visitors to the area will share their positive experiences on social media using the new hashtag.

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader, Stephen Atkinson, said: “We have some of the best independent shops in Lancashire and the message is clear – we are pleased to reopen, but are doing so safely. Our new campaign sets out exactly how we aim to achieve that by creating pedestrianised areas during the main shopping hours and enabling social distancing by widening footways to facilitate queuing. We hope this campaign will welcome visitors back, encourage them to enjoy our historic towns and villages, but most importantly remind them to stay safe.”

Temporary measures to be implemented in Clitheroe include the closure of Castle Street between Moor Lane and King Lane from 10am to 5pm every day, which will allow more space for shoppers and pedestrians. There will be no on-street parking and deliveries will take place outside closure hours.

There will be some restricted parking and a one-way pedestrian route in Moor Lane and directional arrows for shoppers entering and exiting the Swan Courtyard and Church Walk, while the bus stop in Market Place will temporarily be relocated to York Street.

In Longridge, there will be a partial one-way system for traffic in Berry Lane between the junctions of Calder Avenue and Derby Road.

Talks are ongoing regarding any adjustments in Whalley, which are more challenging, due to on-street parking, narrow footpaths and resident parking.

More information and digital campaign materials for #LoveRibbleValley are available from Ribble Valley Borough Council on 01200 425111 or [email protected].