A high street is to become completely pedestrianised as part of a response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Hertfordshire County Council and Three Rivers District Council have both agreed that a section of High Street in Rickmansworth should be closed to all vehicles during certain hours.

From August 28, High Street will be closed between Church Street and Station Road between 10am and 6pm on weekdays and from 10am on Saturday until 6am on Monday.

Bus stops will be relocated, the district council has said.

Hillingdon Times:

The High Street will be closed from this junction by Iceland. Credit: Google Street View

When it was announced in June shops were reopening, the county council was tasked by the government to make town centres safer for shoppers and this included making more space for people to walk.

Measures have been introduced in the likes of Watford and Borehamwood where parking spaces have been lost to give more room to pedestrians.

Hillingdon Times:

Social distancing measures in Watford High Street

In Rickmansworth, parking bays and loading bays in High Street between Church Street and Station Road have already been fenced off.

The measures in Rickmansworth are being described by the district council as "temporary" - but a post on its Facebook page suggests pedestrianising this section of High Street could become permanent.

With further restrictions being eased for businesses, both councils have agreed it is "important" to remove traffic completely from High Street during busy times.

The closure of High Street, the council says, will enable people to shop, queue, and use the street safely, helping to avoid close contact with others.

It will also provide space for outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants.

Are you a shopper or business owner in Rickmansworth High Street? What do you make of the new social distancing measures? Email nathan.louis@newsquest.co.uk