Nailsea high street will be closed to traffic from Monday, June 15.

However, access for delivery lorries up to 7.5 tonnes and disabled drivers including the community bus will be allowed as well as emergency vehicles.

Whether customers collecting large furniture items or stereo systems will also be allowed is a bit more of a fudge.

North Somerset councillor James Tonkin had a vision of a traffic free high street becoming a cafe society space filled with people enjoying al fresco dining with pedestrians and cyclists moving safely in these socially distancing times.

And it would allow the farmers’ market to set up stalls in the town centre without the monthly £1,000+ costly road closure licence.

But when Simple Green owner Bethan Williams told Mr Tonkin she would expect help on delivery days to manhandle heavy crates of flour and sugar across the car park to her shop the idea all began to unravel.

Eirik Bird, of Sam Bird television shop; Alan Goddard, of Home Additions and Stuart Burdge, of Hensons estate agents all added their voices to the dissenters.

In fact, Nailsea People could not find one business in favour of the proposal.

Although put forward as a temporary move necessary to safeguard social distancing in this time of pandemic long-term fears for the survival of the High Street were at the fore.

Next week barriers will go up across the road from PS Travel to Defra charity shop, again outside Waitrose and at the Link Road end of the High Street.

All parking bays bar except those for disabled vehicles will also be blocked off.

However, both the television shop and household furniture store owners have been reassured customers may park outside to collect heavy items.

Just how these customers and the delivery lorries negotiate the barriers is unclear.

Eirik Bird said: “I really think the number of people using our High Street and having difficulty in social distancing is being over estimated.

“Our pavements are so much wider than many other shopping streets that can't close their roads.

“I don't see it being much busier than it is now, as most of the other shops that aren't already open are by appointment like hairdressers and beauty salons.

“A lot of people will not want to venture out - other than for essentials - during this pandemic.

“I do believe a lot of people may only feel safe if they can park outside or near the shop they want to go into.

“If this is all about making pedestrians safe then the whole High Street needs be closed to public traffic up to Tesco supermarket with exceptions for buses, delivery vehicles and disabled badge holders.

“I do think this needs to be discussed thoroughly with all traders and public.

“It should be up to Nailsea to decide.

“I want to see our High Street survive these very difficult times.

“From our point of view being able to park our van, delivery vans and customers vehicles for loading and unloading is probably an advantage to us, but this is all about keeping the High Street going.”

Independent councillor Mike Bird represents Yeo ward which includes High Street on North Somerset Council.

He said: “This is a national scheme being introduced countrywide and not just a few places in North Somerset.  

“I do have to disagree on there being enough room on the pavements to socially distance.“The situation at Weston General Hospital this week brings home that we still have to take the Covid-19 pandemic very seriously.  

“North Somerset is reaching its peak of cases much later than other areas of the country.”  

However, James Tonkin who was elected as an Independent councillor for West End ward and is North Somerset Council executive member for planning and transport has had the unenviable task of implementing the controversial road closures not only in Nailsea but also in parts of Portishead and Clevedon.

He said: “We are obliged to ensure social distancing as far as we possibly can, to ensure residents safety and save lives.