Thornbury business owners say they have seen a 'drastic drop in trade' in the first week of the high street being closed to vehicles.

A letter written by Thornbury Chamber of Commerce states there has been a 30-50 per cent drop in trade compared to the rest of lockdown.

Announcing the scheme last week Cllr Steve Reade, South Gloucestershire Council's cabinet member for planning, transport and strategic environment, said: “We hope the local economy will remain strong and people will be able to sustain their businesses and keep their jobs."

However, the Chamber's letter to the council states: "This is not sustainable for any length of time, particularly after the last few months.

"Businesses do not have the ability to weather a ‘bedding in period’ for pedestrianisation due to the significant impact lockdown has had on their income.

"Many will be reopening already at a loss and recognize that footfall even without pedestrianisation is going to be significantly down.

"The pedestrianisation is also causing some businesses to consider whether or not it is worthwhile trying to reopen."

Mark King, head of South Gloucestershire Council's StreetCare team said this week that there would be a review at the end of June but he wanted to see the trial run for the summer to 'give it a good run and time to bed in'.

"What we are trying to do is create a safe space for the public to access retail in the town centre and provide an environment for business to trade safely."

The Chamber's letter also highlights concerns about traffic, disabled access and the use of the high street by youngsters on bikes and calls for the closure to be immediately reversed.