Two streets in a Gwynedd town have been pedestrianised due to Covid - and businesses in another town are being asked their views on a possible pedestrians-only zone.

Two of Dolgellau’s town centre roads will be closed to vehicles for 18 months to give pedestrians more space to socially distance due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The restrictions have been put in place at Mill Street and Unicorn Lane.

Dolgellau county councillor Lynda Morgan said the closure of the two narrow streets shouldn’t inconvenience drivers and said she hoped it would increase the safety of pedestrians and footfall for businesses.

Meanwhile in Pwllheli, business owners are being asked their opinion on regenerating the town “following the impact of the coronavirus”, including the possibility of pedestrianising High Street.

Pwllheli councillor Dylan Bullard said: “Pedestrianising High Street is something I have been thinking about for a while.

“Pwllheli probably has one of the worst high streets and something needs to be done. It’s a bit of an eyesore but we want to improve it and increase footfall and I hope businesses will support it. It’s sad to see it the way it is now and I would like to see it full of people and different stores.”

TWO streets in a Gwynedd town have been pedestrianised due to Covid - and businesses in another town are being asked their views on a possible pedestrians-only zone.

Two of Dolgellau’s town centre roads will be closed to vehicles for 18 months to give pedestrians more space to socially distance due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The restrictions have been put in place at Mill Street and Unicorn Lane.

Dolgellau county councillor Lynda Morgan said the closure of the two narrow streets shouldn’t inconvenience drivers and said she hoped it would increase the safety of pedestrians and footfall for businesses.

Meanwhile in Pwllheli, business owners are being asked their opinion on regenerating the town “following the impact of the coronavirus”, including the possibility of pedestrianising High Street.

Pwllheli councillor Dylan Bullard said: “Pedestrianising High Street is something I have been thinking about for a while.

“Pwllheli probably has one of the worst high streets and something needs to be done. It’s a bit of an eyesore but we want to improve it and increase footfall and I hope businesses will support it. It’s sad to see it the way it is now and I would like to see it full of people and different stores.”

In Dolgellau Gwynedd Council made two orders for road closures, which came into effect last Thursday, 27 August.

It bans all vehicles except pedal cycles on Mill Street from its junction with Smithfield Square for around 75 metres to its junction with Plas yn Dref Street.

The council said: “The order is required to avoid the likelihood of danger to the public as a consequence for the requirement for pedestrians and pedal cyclist to maintain social distancing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the potential conflict with vehicle traffic.

Unicorn Lane’s closure to vehicles was introduced at the same time, from its junction with Smithfield Square for 30 metres.

It has also been introduced to allow for social distancing.

Dolgellau councillor Lynda Morgan welcomed the move. She said: “The closures won’t inconvenience traffic and the Cross Keys and Torrent pubs have had tables out there for a while now.

“There is one house there but they’ve been very good I believe and, because the road is narrow, this will help with social distancing.

“Unicorn Lane is also narrow and again, as long as they’re taking the consideration of residents into account, this is a good thing.

“The Unicorn pub provided fantastic service for the community during lockdown and I hope this helps them.

“It’s very important that we abide by the rules regarding safe distancing and do what we can to help local businesses.”

Pwllheli Town Council is inviting businesses to fill out a survey on regenerating the town.

Posting a link to the survey on their Facebook page, the town council said: “Gwynedd Council has asked us as a town council to gather the views of Pwllheli businesses regarding the regeneration of the town centre following the impact of the coronavirus.

“One idea that has been discussed is to pedestrianise the High Street, to make it easier to socially distance, but we are keen to gather more ideas to pass on to the council.”

Cllr Bullard added: “At the moment, signage for High Street is bad and everyone goes to Station Square. There are empty shops and charity shops on High Street. It’s quite sad because it has so much potential. Someone has suggested moving the weekly market there which I like, and things are moving forward to improve the area.”

Gwynedd Council has been asked if pedestrianisation will also be considered in other places in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd.