We will see some changes in Borehamwood town centre to help people socially distance as early as this weekend.

A major meeting took place yesterday afternoon involving senior councillors, officers, the police, and other partners and agencies across Hertfordshire.

The county council has been drawing up plans to alter town centres across the county like widening pavements and closing roads to help people maintain two metre distances.

Now the council has confirmed some of these changes will be introduced this bank holiday weekend in Borehamwood, as well as in Watford, Hertford, and Bishop's Stortford.

The council has said these four towns will see safety measures brought in, such as closing the road off to traffic, removing parking, or narrowing of roads to help pedestrians.

We do not yet exactly know what the changes will be in Borehamwood but further details are expected to be released today or tomorrow.

Up to a dozen town centres across Hertfordshire will follow suit from early next week, subject to the initial learning as well as future supplies of barriers and signage.

This is part of the Covid-19 recovery effort by Hertfordshire, and although being led by Public Health, the changes to the town centres are designed to support residents, businesses and families to remain safe as Government allow High Streets to reopen in a phased and gradual manner.

Councillor Phil Bibby, cabinet member for highways and environment, said: "This is a rapidly moving project, and we are now in a position to start rolling out some of the measures ahead of the Government’s timeline.

"We’re playing our part during this time, and hope residents will continue to demonstrate kindness to each other by keeping the two metres distancing.

"I understand and recognise that those living in town centres may experience some disruption, as the traffic management changes. But I hope they will appreciate feeling that their streets are made safer for pedestrians and residents alike as a result of the changes."

Jim McManus, director of Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council, added: "We have been advising our highways colleagues to ensure that they have the right measures in place to allow people to safely go about their business in town centres, and enable them to socially distance as they do so."

More to follow.