Roads could be closed in Whitby when non-essential shops reopen - here's why

North Yorkshire County Council Highways could look to close roads and suspend parking if too many people flock to the popular seaside town at one time.

Whitby county councillor Joe Plant (Con) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that measures under consideration include closing Pier Road and Khyber Pass between 10am and 5pm and suspending parking in Skinner Street and Flowergate.

Cllr Plant said the measures would only be used in response to any arising issues and not to pre-empt the opening of stores on Monday.

He also urged people not to undo all the hard work and sacrifices that had been made as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Cllr Plant said: “We’ve all got a responsibility to socially distance.

“We don’t want to be losing parking places, we want to support businesses who have had a tough time and the last thing we need is to be suspending parking but if people can’t socially distance then we will have to.

“I urge everybody to continue to observe social distancing to help local businesses.

“They have supported us in hard times and now we have to support them.”

Last night, business secretary Alok Sharma confirmed retailers could open on Monday as long as they follow safety guidelines, or they could face enforcement notices.

However, he said the current 2m social distancing rule would not be reduced at this time.