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The latest in Sandwich's controversial road closure saga is that one thoroughfare will again be shut off to cars.
Sandwich Town Council had banned vehicles from entering Market Street, Delf Street, No Name Street and part of King Street following the reopening of non-essential shops on June 15.
But in a surprise U-turn on Tuesday, following complaints from traders who thought it was detrimental to their business, council officials called off the temporary measure.
Now it has been announced that part of Delf Street, between Harnet Street and No Name Street, will again be closed to traffic.
But this time it will only be on limited days and times, specifically to encourage outdoor gathering and dining as pubs and restaurants reopen.
As a trial tomorrow, the section of road will be closed from noon until 8pm. Then from Friday, July 10, the closure will be enforced every Saturday and Sunday and from 4pm until 8pm on Fridays.
Otherwise the road will remain open as usual.
'This is at the request of the hospitality businesses in this area as a trial...'
A statement from Dover District Council said: "As the lockdown is eased, DDC has been working with Sandwich Town Council, the Town Team and Chamber of Commerce to help facilitate their requirements for the safe reopening of local high streets.
"In particular, measures have been trialled to prioritise pedestrian access to help with social distancing in the town’s narrow streets.
"The initial temporary road closures in Sandwich implemented from June 15 have now been reviewed and lifted."
The authority explained that the new proposal follows submissions from hospitality businesses.
DDC continue: "This is at the request of the hospitality businesses in this area as a trial in advance of a potential application for outside tables and chairs once new pavement permit legislation is approved in the coming weeks.
"Measures are in place to ensure that social distancing and other safety requirements are met."
There will be no closure on Sunday, July 5 and all measures will remain under review.
