Rugby council leader calls for urgent review into controversial one-way system in town centre

The Leader of Rugby Borough Council has called on Warwickshire County Council to urgently review the temporary changes it has made to Rugby town centre roads and pavements.

Cllr Seb Lowe made the appeal to the county council after town centre businesses highlighted the impact the changes were having on trade, and following the Prime Minister’s announcement that social distancing guidelines would soon change.

In a statement issued on the evening of June 24, Cllr Lowe said: “It was important for Warwickshire County Council to consider how the town centre could reopen safely, but after seeing the changes that have been introduced I am asking that they be reviewed as soon as possible.

“Businesses in the town centre have made it very clear that these measures are having an impact on trade.

“The county council must urgently open a conversation with residents and businesses to ensure that any measures that are needed for the town centre to be covid secure have the support of Rugbeians.

“The Prime Minister has announced that social distancing guidelines will soon be reduced to 'one metre plus' so it is important that this change is also taken into account."

Cllr Lowe's comments come after a petition (accessible at bit.ly/3hWLgiM) set up by Labour and Lib Dem borough councillors to call for an urgent review in the changes gathered more than 1,000 signatures.