Social distancing measures in Borehamwood town centre look set to be scrapped after a survey revealed the majority of respondents were not in favour of them.

Last year, parking spaces in Shenley Road were cordoned off initially with barriers, but later with planters and bollards, in response to the Covid pandemic.

Hertfordshire County Council says it identified parts of Shenley Road where social distancing and queuing would be "difficult" due to the narrow pavements and in response introduced emergency measures to allow more space for pedestrians.

Some of these measures have since been removed but others remain in place such as outside the row of restaurants and cafes towards the top end of Shenley Road near the train station.

Borehamwood Times: Social distancing measures in Shenley Road in Borehamwood town centre. Credit: Hertfordshire County CouncilSocial distancing measures in Shenley Road in Borehamwood town centre. Credit: Hertfordshire County Council

Over the summer, the council has been consulting with residents and businesses across Hertfordshire to find out if they would like to see any existing social distancing measures remain in place for at least another 18 months.

The results released by the council from the survey for Borehamwood show more people want to see the back of the restrictions.

In total, 158 people responded to the survey with 55 per cent voting against an 18 month trial.

Thirty-seven per cent of respondents supported a trial while seven per cent said they were unsure.

Borehamwood Times: Social distancing measures in Borehamwood town centre. Credit: Hertfordshire County CouncilSocial distancing measures in Borehamwood town centre. Credit: Hertfordshire County Council

While some respondents liked the measures because of the new outdoor dining and trading space that had been created, others criticised the lack of parking with some saying this had a knock-on effect for businesses.

Respondents were mixed on whether they believed the social distancing measures have had a positive or negative impact on Shenley Road, with 45 per cent voting positive and 49 per cent stating a negative impact.

Forty-three per cent said the measures introduced in Shenley Road allowed for safer use of the high street by making social distancing easier.

Hertfordshire County Council posted on its social media channels: "Many local residents in Borehamwood disagree that social distancing measures are having a positive impact for High Street Recovery, therefore we will remove these from the town centre."