Cheshire East Council has published street plans detailing the temporary closure of roads and installation of signage in Macclesfield town centre to aid social distancing.

The new plans form part of a range of measures being introduced by 15 June when non-essential retail will be able to reopen for the first time since the lockdown took effect in March.

The following streets will be temporarily closed to vehicles, for their full length or partially, and will see the installation of signs reminding people to keep two metres apart:

• Market Place

• Churchside

• Backwallgate/ Church Street

• Mill Street

• Most of Exchange Street

• Exchange Close

• Chestergate

• Castle Street

Other routes into the town centre such as Waters Green and Albert Place will also feature Covid-19 warning signs and pavement markings.

Some of the areas listed are largely pedestrianised already.

Among the other measures announced by the council yesterday will be the temporary closure of some town centre car parks, but no details have been provided yet on which ones.

Motorists will also see the temporary suspension of some parking spaces and laybys, where these can provide extra space for widening footpaths to help pedestrians respect social distancing rules.

Essential access for servicing businesses and residential properties will be maintained throughout the closures.

There may also be increased pedestrian or cycle access to the town centre, through adjustments to traffic restrictions. No details have been provided on this aspect.

Bollington does not have any roads earmarked for closure in their plans, but residents will see the introduction of social distancing street signage and pavement markings along the centre of the village.

The council say the measures will be under constant review, once implemented, and may be further tailored to meet local circumstances.

Macclesfield and Bollington are among 16 towns across the borough which will see similar measures introduced to try and minimise the risks that come with easing the lockdown.

Cllr Laura Crane, cabinet member for highways, said yesterday: "While these temporary arrangements may disrupt the travel patterns of some residents and visitors, they are necessary to protect everyone, especially those who will be using the shops when the government allows them to open – which at this point is intended to be 15 June."