New plans for doors between a public road and a shopping centre have been unveiled.

The intu shopping centre wants to submit new proposals for glass doors across Queen's Road, Watford.

The road currently forms a 'tunnel' across one floor of the centre, which shoppers must currently leave and re-enter through doors on either side.

Previous plans to block off the road were withdrawn in 2015 after neighbouring shopkeepers warned it would create a barrier and stop easy access between Queen's Road Broadway and High Street.

The new automatic doors will be locked open at night to maintain a 24-hour public link.

The shopping centre claims the new doors will make the area safer by helping to stop cycling collisions and protecting shoppers from wind, rain and ice.

Vicki Costello, general manager of intu Watford, said: “Queens Road is an important public link and that won’t change.

“We want to make this area a safe and more enjoyable environment for everyone.

“It’s important to us that whatever we do, helps to make our visitors smile.

“Our plans reflect just that, including the introduction of new lighting and landscaping as well as increasing cycle storage.”

intu says it will continue to maintain security and cleanliness in the area.

The centre says it is also proposing improvements including new landscaping, lighting, cycle storage and paving.

It has also proposed new signs to promote nearby businesses close to the shopping centre.

Queens Road is a public highway so intu will ask for the 'tunnel' section to be redesignated as a public footpath, meaning that the doors can be added but the route will stay open and accessible at all times by law.

A public exhibition will take place in the shopping centre mall outside M&S on Friday, June 8, between 2pm and 6pm, and Saturday June 9, between 10am and 2pm.

Members of the team will be there to discuss the proposal and record people’s feedback before a planning application is submitted to Watford Borough Council.

As part of the public consultation, a dedicated Freephone number has been set up for any questions: 0800 0356 480.