Leighton Buzzard multi-storey car park re-opens

With work to make it COVID-secure complete, Central Bedfordshire Council is to re-open the multi-storey car park in the newly pedestrianised Leighton Buzzard High Street from 7am on Tuesday July 28.

To ensure the health and safety of car park users during the pandemic and reduce the potential for spread of the virus, the lift will not be in use and but there are disabled bays and parent and family friendly parking spaces on the ground floor. Disabled bays have been created on in the High Street itself, operating on a ‘one in, one out’ basis during while it remains pedestrianised.

There are also open-air car parks close to the town centre in Hockliffe Street and Duncombe Drive.

With all car parks open, people will be able to choose which of the car parks available best suit their needs.

Cllr Ian Dalgarno, Executive Member for Community Services, said: “We introduced the pedestrianisation to help shoppers maintain social distancing.

“A month on we are getting positive feedback from retailers and shoppers alike with shoppers telling us that visiting the High Street is a much more pleasant experience. While retailers are telling us that they have queues outside their shops of residents eager to spend.

“We are still very much in the learning phase though and will keep listening to see if there are any further tweaks we need to make.

“A further sign of confidence is we are being asked if it’s possible to set up tables and chairs or even stalls outside. We want to encourage this ‘café culture’ and are now able to fast. Retailers need simply email traffic.consultation@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

“If you are planning to visit the multi-storey we do ask that you

• Keep a safe distance from others

• Use the hand sanitiser provided in stairwells and at payment machines before use

• Use contactless or card payments if possible

• Wash your hands the moment you get home

• Stay at home if you or a member of your household/support bubble have COVID-19 symptoms and please follow the latest Government guidance