The closure of Helston's Meneage Street will continue for the third planned week, despite businesses warning they had been "badly affected."

At the same time, outside security has now been put in place on the road barriers "due to several incidents of abuse and intimidation to the volunteers over the last two weeks."

Mayor John Martin said that after a consultation with Cornwall Council Highways last Wednesday, Helston Town Council held an informal meeting to discuss the options for Meneage Street going forward.

It was decided that the current closure between 10am and 4pm, Monday top Saturday, would continue for this week.

He said: "The members felt that, with the July 4 government guideline changes looming, it was in the interest of public safety to keep the road closure arrangements as they were."

There is now access for legitimate deliveries, residents with passes and blue badge holders.

Mr Martin added that external security has now been put in place on the road barrier "due to several incidents of abuse and intimidation to the volunteers over the last two weeks."

He went on to say: "At a meeting with representatives of the businesses in Meneage Street, great concern was expressed again that their businesses had been badly affected.

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"It was explained that the public safety issues were still our main consideration and that we will be faced with changing Government guidelines this week.

"We will all need to be ready to respond to how people will react to these new conditions, offering guidance where necessary.

"With more shops, restaurants and pubs opening from Saturday, the expected increase in footfall would have to be managed accordingly.

"The lack of clarity from the authorities concerning restaurants and pubs being allowed to put furniture in the street has added to our concerns."

There will be officers from Cornwall Council offering advice and support to these businesses during the next few days.

Mr Martin said the town council would continue to monitor the situation with guidance from Cornwall Council Highways and Licencing departments.

"We are also aware that holiday accommodation and campsites are almost fully booked from this week onward," he said.

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Flags are now flying above all of Helston's town centre, as one of the previously suggested ideas to improve the look of the town to encourage shoppers.

"A big ‘thank you’ to the Flora Day Association for erecting our summer season bunting over the weekend," said Mr Martin.

"We continue to develop plans to facilitate safer pedestrian access in our other town centre streets.

"We ask that everyone considers and respects the safety of others with patience and kindness."

The town council will meet on Thursday to decide what will happen to the road going forward after this week.