Pavements in Marlow town centre are to be made one-way to protect the health of residents, with the advisory system for pedestrians set to start within the next few days.

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The temporary arrangement is designed to keep people safe as the coronavirus lockdown is starting to be relaxed.

Jocelyn Towns, Leader of Marlow Town Council, commented: “We have been driven by twin desires to help Marlow town centre recover after Covid while also doing everything we can to protect public health. We feel it is vital to act quickly.”

“This is a voluntary scheme, but we are putting our faith in the people of Marlow and visitors to respect it.

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“The system should greatly reduce the risks of people being forced to get too close.

“In most parts of the zone it should also enable people to queue outside retailers while others pass by at a safe distance.

“Our first measures will help the many people who have taken up cycling during the lockdown to continue as it eases, and the council will be coming forward with further sustainability measures later this year.”

Prominent signage around and within the one-way zone will inform pedestrians which direction they are requested to walk, and these will include directional stickers on the pavements.

The council is also seeking to put in place additional measures to keep inconvenience to a minimum, with MTC gaining permission from Buckinghamshire Council to place pop-up bicycle platforms on two car parking bays in the town centre.

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Both councils are currently researching the best bicycle platforms to be installed as soon as possible.

Mrs Towns added: “This has been a difficult time for all of Marlow, and the difficulties are not over.

“The council will be working with the whole community to ensure a safe recovery.”