VEHICLES are to be banned from one of the main roads in a market town is to be pedestrianised in a bid to boost business for shops and keep their customers safe as coronavirus restrictions are eased.

Castle Street in Clitheroe is to be pedestrianised temporarily from Friday as part of a Ribble Valley Council's new campaign '#LoveRibbleValley'.

It is designed to let shoppers know that the borough is open for business and Covid-secure.

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

There will be restricted parking and a one-way pedestrian route in Moor Lane and directional arrows for shoppers using Swan Courtyard and Church Walk.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 Calder Avenue and Derby Road.

Talks are continuing regarding adjustments in Whalley.

The campaign will see '#LoveRibbleValley' public safety signage and bollard sleeves in the centres of Clitheroe, Longridge and Whalley.

Ribble Valley Council leader Cllr 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.”