A key route through the centre of Cheltenham will be closed to drivers from today (28th June), in a bid to make the town more desirable to shoppers.

Clarence Street, known locally as Boots Corner, will be open only to buses, taxis and pedestrians.

Local people have been kept informed of the closure through the media, social media and road signs. There are currently no official diversions, so drivers can work out their own best routes through the town.

Cheltenham Borough Council expects there to be some congestion in the first couple of weeks, as people get used to the closure and start to look for alternative routes through the town.

Talking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire this morning, Tracey Crews, director of planning at CBC, said Amey contractors working on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council will be on site for the first couple of days, to help drivers get used to the closure.

The county council has also been monitoring traffic light phases around the town to understand how they all work together. If there are problems in particular areas, the council will be able to make amends to the traffic signals.

Ms Crews also told the BBC that the council would be able to add additional signage on the outskirts of Cheltenham, if it becomes clear that people are unaware of the changes and continuing to drive towards Boots Corner.

Cheltenham BID has been very supportive of the closure and says businesses in the town have been kept informed of the closure.

What do you think? Are the changes at Boots Corner a good idea or a nightmare? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk