MORE than three-quarters of a village’s residents and business owners want traffic changes made to its square to help with social distancing to be made permanent, according to a county council survey.

Monmouthshire County Council carried out the survey in Magor in November, and asked businesses and local people to share their opinions on whether the "limited traffic restrictions" introduced during the pandemic, should stay in place.

A council spokesperson said it received an overwhelming response, with 548 people getting involved and 77 per cent saying they wanted the current adaptations to the Square to be made permanent, because they "brought more life" to the heart of the village, "created a safer environment to socialise and move about in", and "improved the community atmosphere".

They said: "The survey also gathered many interesting suggestions on how the Square could be improved such as more seating, more attractive planters, all-weather canopy and on new uses such as occasional food markets, antique markets and fayres.

"There were also suggestions to review the parking arrangements in the Square to enable those with mobility issues to easily access the shops.

"The main reason for objection, among those who did not support the current restrictions, was not being able to park close to the shops particularly for people with mobility issues.

"The majority, 57 per cent, of respondents confirmed that they travel to the Square on foot compared to 36 per cent travelling by car."

Monmouthshire Council’s cabinet member for Infrastructure, Councillor Jane Pratt (Welsh Con, Llanelly Hill), said: "I would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey.

"As a result of this feedback, Monmouthshire Council will keep the current arrangements in place and will be liaising separately with the businesses in the Square that have outside seating to discuss and renew licensing agreements.

"Longer-term, we will be working with a range of organisations to prepare different design options for the Square that will seek to accommodate many of the suggestions received through the consultation, while respecting the Square’s historic environment."

Magor Independent ward member Cllr Frances Taylor said: "Keeping a small area of the Square traffic-free has served to support businesses to trade safely whilst managing Covid-19 risk.

"It has also crucially helped to create a vibrancy and energy in Magor Square and we have been fortunate to see community support for our new and existing shops and services.

"I know the Square has been a lifeline for many people. I look forward to working together to consider how we can make best use of the space long term, whilst respecting the historic environment and bringing benefit for local people and our local businesses."