Last Friday a broad range of proposed changes to Cheltenham's streets were released by the borough council to encourage people to walk and cycle more in light of the pandemic.

They make an interesting read, especially if you know the town well.

They include the temporary widening of footpaths, pedestrianising parts of the town and the temporary closure of some car parking to allow for additional outside seating for cafes, bars and restaurants.

The council drew up a list of "asks" for Gloucestershire County Council after the Government said it wants local authorities to re-establish footfall lost due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The council said the "asks" are deliberately low cost to implement - paint, bollards, planters and where possible no "civil" required. It says the proposals could be easily removed if implemented, equally with a permanent installation.

Under what the council describes as "quick wins", the road which splits High St - Rodney Rd into Winchcombe St - would be closed to through-traffic. It's the road outside Next/John Lewis.

Yes, one could draw similarities with the Boots Corner scheme.

Half of car parking in Montpellier St would be removed to create a "cafe culture" where many hospitality businesses such as cages and bars could spread out their tables and chairs.

Feels somewhat Parisian.

Same idea for Lower High St although not as much of a priority.

Deliveries would be restricted on Regent St at certain times, from the north-end to the entrance of Regent Arcade car park.

The bus stops on Promenade would be removed and relocated to outside of Imperial Gardens in order for events to be created under "streets for people" idea.

Part of the shopping area of Bath Road have seen water-filled barriers making more space for pedestrians by taking over car park spaces.

Option for the future is to remove car parking on one side.

Longer term proposals include the creation of new neighbourhood zones in St Paul's and Suffolks with reduced vehicles, improvements to existing cycle paths and junctions, increased cycle parking in the town and the development of a new "Cheltway Cycle Network".

We don't know when any of these proposals could be approved, or whether any will be given the nod. The decision lies with Gloucestershire County Council, who says they're looking "really closely" at the proposals to see which are feasible and aims to implement as many as they can

If you want to see the "asks" yourself, the document is here: https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/downloads/file/8149/sustainable_travel_proposals

Details of proposals for Gloucestershire’s other 5 districts are yet to be made public