WEST Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) has announced plans to modify Witney town centre will be in place by the end of the week, as the public reacted to yesterday’s reopening.
There was very much a split opinion online with some positive about the reopening, whilst others said the new measures were not in force.
Non-essential shops were free to open again yesterday as WODC’s plans include imposition of a 20mph speed limit across the town, partial closure of Welch Way and restricted traffic movements on the High Street.
Now, the council says the final touches are being put to the plans to ensure adequate signage is in place.
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Councillor Toby Morris, cabinet member for resources, said: “We have been listening to residents and businesses since we announced this plan and their feedback has been hugely appreciated.
“We all recognise that we need to ensure our town centre is a safe environment in which to work and shop and these measures will help ensure that happens while allowing the local economy to be supported.”
Meanwhile, WODC says 500 packs of useful information, social distancing stickers and a poster have been distributed to small and independent businesses across the district.
Rich Hikins of High Street-based computer and phone repair shop iRepairTech thanked the council for its efforts in helping the store reopen, and said: “The pack has loads of information that helps businesses get back to what we should be doing.”
However, public reaction to the reopening has been mixed.
One commenter online said that ‘when the big day arrived, nothing happened’, describing the reopening as an anticlimax.
This prompted a host of replies, with Graham Henderson saying: “I walked through town today and none of the measures were in force, the vast majority of shops were closed.
“As for Marriotts Walk, there was only M&S open.”
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Jill Pincham said: “We wandered around town, a few shops were open and no queues anywhere.
“More people than normal but obeying social distancing, hopefully more shops will open soon.”
With the sense of disappointment palpable, some saw the fun side in the situation.
Tom Rogers said: “If you come back tomorrow we will organise a brass band and confetti cannons.
“If that doesn’t impress you enough how about a ribbon and giant scissors for you to cut it with?”
Last week, the district council revealed what Witney and other West Oxfordshire towns would look like when they reopened.
Council leader James Mills said at the time: “Our priority is that people feel safe as well as being supportive of local businesses.
“I’ve been really keen to get things going again and support our local residents and businesses, and reassure people they can go about their days.
“We’ve been able to put together more detailed guidance and bring this together at pace in response to the Government announcement.”
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