Thornbury High Street will effectively be pedestrianised from Monday.

The road will be closed to all through traffic between The Close and Castle Court.

South Gloucestershire Council say the measures will allow people to shop safely when non-essential shops are allowed to reopen on June 15, but business owners have expressed concerns.

Traffic will be diverted via Midland Way, Rock Street, Quaker Lane and on to The Plain, while the council are working with bus operators to divert services and provide bus stops to allow town centre access from Rock Street.

Access for residents, deliveries and refuse collection will be maintained 24 hours a day until more appropriate time restrictions for a pedestrianised shopping area can be agreed through the Experimental Traffic Order consultation.

Zoe Gilbraith, secretary for Thornbury Chamber of Commerce, said: "Our shopkeepers, food and hospitality businesses have been working extremely hard at trying to keep their businesses operating by diversifying and are eagerly awaiting being able to reopen to the public safely, but feel that closing the High Street to all traffic will be the final straw to many businesses.

"Some have arranged a click and collect service so that people who do not feel able to come into their store can safely drive and collect their purchases.

"Restaurants and pubs have diversified to deliver food or become a take away, again if vehicles are banned from the High Street this will mean they will have to close."

The changes in Thornbury will initially be implemented under a Temporary Road Closure and will later be followed up by an Experimental Traffic Order which may potentially run for 18 months before being made permanent.

Cllr Steve Reade, cabinet member for planning, transport and strategic environment, said: “This closure is part of our emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to help stop the spread of the virus and save lives in our local communities as lockdown eases.

“Thornbury High Street is a very popular destination and we hope through this action, supporting the community as we navigate the recovery post-COVID outbreak, the local economy will remain strong and people will be able to sustain their businesses and keep their jobs.

“The change in Thornbury is one of a range of measures we are looking to take across South Gloucestershire to keep people safe, and because of the speed of their introduction they will be subject to regular constructive review.

“We will be announcing additional schemes across South Gloucestershire in due course.”