Dudley Council has teams in Sedgley and Lye working on a range of changes to help people get around while maintaining social distance.

In Sedgley, an area of no stopping is being introduced along Dudley Road as part of plans to make the pavements wider.

In Lye, no stopping is being introduced along High Street, while a temporary, 30 minutes, loading bay will be added to the junction High Street and Clinic Drive to support traders.

Signs, posters and other business support are also being offered to traders to help them keep their shops safe.

It is part of a raft measures in town centres across the borough as more shops begin to open following the government’s gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown. It includes an online portal for traders to download signs, maps and other resources to support business and people while shopping.

The council has consulted local traders and ward councillors to gauge feedback on the plans.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environment, highways and street services, said:

"We’re doing everything we can to help business re-open after what has been an extremely difficult time. At the same time, we have made it an absolute priority to keep shops and traders safe.

"That is not an easy thing to achieve, but the measures we have in place in these two popular town centres, and others across the borough, will have a big impact on that.

"I would also urge people to do what they can to make themselves safe by following the latest government advice while out and about.”

For more information visit www.dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus-guidance.