Helston's temporary pedestrianisation of Meneage Street draws mixed feedback from traders and residents

The temporary pedestrianisation of Meneage Street in Helston to help shoppers socially distance has received mixed reviews from local businesses and residents.

The scheme has been a huge talking point for the town, with some shops yesterday reporting that their trading sales were down and some residents expressing concern that some disabled people are missing out on the opportunity to visit due to the closure.

In terms of the towns footfall numbers, one resident claimed it was the "busiest they had seen since lockdown began" and another resident stated, "as busy as a Monday daytime would expect".

Sands Boutique wrote on social media that they yesterday had to close due to low sales while reporting their branch in Hayle had taken four times as much as it did last Monday.

Many residents have called for more positivity across the board and on social media, one resident stated:

"Can we all just try and be a little more positive? All this negativity isn't helping anyone!

"We all want the same outcome for Helston it's businesses and it's residents after all so surely a bit more positivity would be greatly received not just by myself but everyone else in the town."

Chris Jolly, Helston resident, spoke to Nub News about his opinions on the closure:

"I'm worried about the inevitable loss of some "park up" customers we may never get back as they will become accustomed to going elsewhere.

Chris is concerned that the road closure will last longer than the proposed three weeks.

"Long term this will damage the town, especially in poor weather/winter as not many want to walk around town in the pouring rain."

Some residents have been describing the good side to the temporary closure.

"I spent over an hour on Meneage Street too, plenty of people stopping, chatting, queuing," said one resident.