I have supported the proposals for temporary changes on the High Street on the grounds of public health.

There are mixed views within our community about the proposals, but I do think that it is important to create the space for our residents to be able to walk along the High Street with the space to social distance, particularly if there needs to be people queuing outside shops as well. The plans have been amended since the first draft. I asked for additional disabled spaces and bike racks, and the council also consulted with taxi drivers and space has been retained for them. There seems to be widespread support for the 20mph speed limit. Removing the parked cars from the High Street will make it safer to cross the road due to improved visibility.

At the moment the plans are purely for allowing pedestrians to walk and pass each other safely. As the restrictions are lifted following Scottish Government advice, the safety measures in the High Street will be removed.

I can think of many High Streets in the UK where there is no on street parking. With clear signposting to car parks, people should not have to rely on parking directly outside premises, with the clear exception of blue badge holders.

Although these arrangements will be short lived, it will be interesting to get people’s feedback when it is in operation and to get their opinion on whether we should keep some of the changes on a more permanent basis.

The council is looking at all that we do to see how/if we should do things differently in the future. Some of this will be due to financial constraints. Some changes will be because people have found a different way of living/working/travelling/shopping. Please do let me know your views on this.