After listening to residents and businesses concerns following the range of measures introduced to support local people as the lockdown is lifted, Cheshire East Council has performed a U-turn and agreed to leave the parking bays open to help mitigate the impact on Congleton traders.

The temporary measures, which have been in place in Congleton since 15 June included Bridge Street and Little Street closed to vehicles, parking bays suspended on Swan Bank, High Street and Lawton Street, one-way footpaths on Mill Street and coronavirus signs around the town centre.

This was in response to the government's approach to reopen the high streets, as part of the Covid-19 recovery phase.

However, Congleton Town Council pulled together and informed Cheshire East about the concerns residents had since the measures were implemented.

Cllr Rob Moreton said: "After contacting Cheshire East several times explaining what impact on businesses these measures would have especially on Lawton Street, we're delighted that they have acted and agreed to leave the parking bays open.

"Covid-19 is still very much here so please respect each other through the coming months when entering the town centre, so everyone can have a good shopping experience, by doing this we can all help Congleton businesses to grow again."

The parking bay suspensions at Swan Bank, High Street and Lawton Street, have been removed, but a one-way pedestrian route at the narrowest part of Mill Street will remain.

The coronavirus signs, which can be found at both ends of the town centre are also being replaced with something that is "more welcoming" according to Cllr Moreton.