TEMPORARY restrictions on cars entering a high street have been extended until November to allow shoppers to continue shopping while socially distancing.

Temporary safety measures to the High Street in Shaftesbury were introduced on June 15 which prevented vehicle access so that shoppers could step into the road to keep the two-metre social distancing rules.

Following the relaxation of the social distancing guidelines from two metres to one metre plus, Shaftesbury Town Council says that it would still not be safe to allow cars back onto the High Street.

A town council spokesperson said: "To practice social distancing with queues along pavements, one in and one out in the smaller shops creating potential queues outside shops, pedestrians would need to step into the road to keep the 1m+ distance. This is not safe and hence the temporary pedestrianisation in the High Street will be extended until November 2020.

"These measures will continue to be reviewed in line with government guidance therefore if the social distancing guidelines are relaxed then the High Street will revert back to full vehicular access.

"The government will continue to keep the public informed of the impact of coronavirus on the UK, and the law and guidance that is in place to protect the public. In turn Shaftesbury Town Council will continue to keep its business community and residents up to date as life starts to slowly return to the new normal."

The effect of the pedestrianised High Street has been constantly reviewed, and more than 1,000 shoppers responded to a recent survey. The town council said that the feedback will be "reviewed and considered to determine the approach to managing the next phase of the temporary pedestrianisation."

Meanwhile, the town council has called on residents to support local businesses while the pedestrianisation scheme is in place.

"Shaftesbury Town is unique with its array of wonderful independent High Street retailers, a town we are all proud to work and live in," said a town council spokesperson.

"Never has a time been so important than now to support our independent businesses as they continue to recover from the challenges of the lockdown. When you visit an independent local business you keep more money in the local community, support local jobs and enable our High Street to flourish. We urge our community to stay local and shop local."