New signs and pathway stickers are going up in Bourton-on-the-Water to help ensure social distancing as coronavirus restrictions are eased.

The signs encouraging people to stay two metres apart and stay left on pathways will be placed around the popular tourist village.

Staying to the left will allow pedestrians to pass with the greatest space while floor markings and stickers will help maintain the right distance.

Highways crew are putting the signs in place tonight (June 5) with Gloucestershire County Council staff on hand until Monday to help make residents and visitors aware of the signs.

Councillor Nigel Moor, cabinet member for environment and planning, said, "This is the third of four trial schemes we have put in place as part of the first phase of this government initiative, for which we have received £288,000 - helping to get the county moving again, whilst supporting people to follow necessary social distancing measures.

:By using visual reminders here we hope everyone will be able to stay apart, stay safe and enjoy all that Bourton has to offer.

"These trial schemes will help inform a second phase when money is made available from Government."

He continued: "While we wait for further, more detailed guidance on phase 2 funding, we are working hard with district council colleagues to identify more potential schemes that could be put in place so we are ready to start work as quickly as possible to help support local areas to thrive, whilst maintaining current Government guidance on social distancing".

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, who represents Bourton, said, "I welcome the steps being put in place. They will help promote a safer environment as visitor numbers increase and residents register concerns over social distancing.

"I hope this is just the first of a number of initiatives in Bourton to promote health and wellbeing in the centre of the village. I'd encourage people to give their feedback on this scheme so it can work as well as possible for them."

Last week, Bath Road in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury High Street saw parking bays converted into extra space for pedestrians using water-filler barriers.

So far the schemes have had positive feedback, and highways teams continue to monitor these sites for improvements.

The London Road trial site in Gloucester is starting to take shape with designs for a cycle path which will connect existing cycling infrastructure at Elmbridge Road to the city centre shared as soon as possible.