A high street will stay shut during the day to vehicles for at least another six months prompting concerns about how it could impact on businesses.

The main shopping street in Rickmansworth town centre has been shut between the hours of 10am-6pm from Monday to Saturday, as well as all day on Sunday, since the summer of 2020.

It was initially because of social distancing reasons but is now geared towards making the town more environmentally friendly and creating more outdoor space for businesses.

A formal trial, which is due to start in the coming weeks, has been agreed by members of Hertfordshire County Council and Three Rivers District Council after 2021 surveys from both councils concluded the majority of respondents - of which 93 per cent or more were residents - were in favour of a trial keeping the high street closed.

The surveys also found a "desire" to make the high street more "welcoming" along with wanting markets and independent shops.

Watford Observer: A barrier blocking access into Rickmansworth High Street A barrier blocking access into Rickmansworth High Street

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However, a separate survey carried out by Batchworth Community Council has highlighted concerns some businesses in Rickmansworth High Street have about keeping the road closed to vehicles.

The council concluded its survey, carried out between the end of 2021 and start of 2022, found "compelling evidence" for the high street to be reopened and for the council to run a market.

The council says it surveyed 75 businesses and retailers and found 53 per cent wanted the high street opened permanently and 17 per cent wanted it shut only at weekends. Just under 30 per cent supported the current scheme.

Watford Observer: The road was initially closed for social distancing reasons but is now staying closed for reasons outside of that The road was initially closed for social distancing reasons but is now staying closed for reasons outside of that

Council chairman Andrea Fraser said: "Some businesses said they liked the closure because it was quiet but the likes of charity shops and hairdressers were concerned. A kebab shop told us he'd lost 40 per cent of his customers.

"The current scheme has stopped people popping into Rickmansworth for short trips and it has also prevented older people from being dropped off by the shops.

"We shared our findings at a Three Rivers meeting in March but the council was adamant its survey was better. Without our retailers, we have no high street."

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Watford Observer: Rickmansworth High Street. Credit: Three Rivers District CouncilRickmansworth High Street. Credit: Three Rivers District Council

Some parking bays, including disabled bays, have been lost as a result of the closure.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, lead member for transport and economic development in Three Rivers, says the council is looking at providing more disabled parking and said the trial will be subject to "ongoing review".

Rickmansworth county councillor Reena Ranger says the trial will allow councils to see how the high street fares during the first summer without restrictions, including dining out on the street, but she has urged residents to log their views by emailing highstreetrecovery@hertfordshire.gov.uk