Parking restriction barriers have been put up in a Royston town centre street while a trial to widen footways and improve pedestrian access takes place.

The barriers have been up in Kneesworth Street since yesterday morning and, if the trial is deemed successful, will allow for the 331 bus service to be reinstated along the road.

The service was rerouted via Green Drift and Tannery Drift because parked cars prevented the bus from getting through and caused delays.

A Herts County Council spokeswoman said: “Our proposals aim to provide improvements to pedestrian accessibility along both footways, part time loading and delivery bays and the addition of some restricted parking along specific sections of the road.

“We also wish to reinstate the 331 bus route which, for a number of years, has had to be rerouted via Green Drift and Tannery Drift due to issues with parked vehicles along this one-way section of the street delaying the service.

“Once these improvements are in place it is proposed that the bus will then be able to return to its original route along Kneesworth Street as the ‘pinch-points’ on the road layout will have been removed.

“The trial widening started yesterday and continues today and, during this time, temporary barriers have been put in place.

“The council wrote to all traders and residents within the area to advise them of this work and every effort was made to minimise any disruption to traffic during this time.

“Once results of the trial have been analysed, public consultation will then be carried out on the final proposals with the residents in the affected areas.”

The barriers are due to be removed this evening at about 7pm.