As shops and businesses aim to get back to a new normal today, with some reopening after months of closure, the Helston Mayor has released a statement regarding the town's plans to keep residents safe as local retail comes back into everyone's lives.

It has been announced that a 'temporary Cornwall Council Emergency Traffic Order' will be in force on Meneage Street, initially closing it for periods between Monday 22nd June and Sunday 12th July.

"This is to address a Public Health Emergency and its aim is to enable people to socially distance whilst remaining safe from traffic," John Martin said.

It is understood that this will be reviewed on a regular basis and things are subject to change regarding feedback from residents and other factors.

The Mayor has hammered home the importance of shopping local to support the town as they continue to find ways to further help businesses.

He said: "Closure of Meneage Street is a start and to give people the confidence to support businesses, we are looking at measures across the rest of the town centre, with advice."

There will be a chance to meet and speak with some of the Council team for a period between 12 noon and 2pm each day from Monday 15th until Friday 19th at the Corn Exchange within the Guildhall, and Tuesday 16th evening between 6pm and 8pm for those who work in the daytime.

Mr Martin says he understands that this will cause disruption for some and asks that residents work with him to 'adapt and overcome'.

"My strategic vision is to make the town centre safe for all, an attractive place to spend time, to enjoy our historic streets, buildings and to meet our wonderful townsfolk. It will be hard work, but my fellow Councillors and I are determined to make this work," he said.

The Mayor has thanked residents for the efforts that have been made during these unprecedented times.

"The public spirit shown by our community has ensured that those most in need have been able to receive help," he said.