The pedestrianisation of Weymouth's harbourside has been lifted.

Custom House Quay, Cove Street to Hope Square, and Trinity Road have been closed to traffic in the daytime and early evening since June - with some exceptions - when coronavirus restrictions were eased, in a bid to boost the hospitality industry.

But the 12-week emergency traffic order was lifted at midnight, meaning general traffic is now allowed to return.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “The coronavirus infection rate in Dorset has so far remained low and the highway measures put in place in our busiest high street areas have played their part in keeping residents and visitors safe.

“Overall, these temporary measures to support the reopening of our high streets have been very successful and we’ve had positive feedback from many residents and businesses.

“We’ll continue to follow government guidelines and adapt to the situation in order to best support our local economy and residents.”

Temporary highway measures were introduced at the harbourside and other areas across Dorset with high footfall to support residents’ return to their local high streets and to help businesses get back on their feet.

The scheme was controversial when it was launched, but a number of businesses along Weymouth harbourside have now said they would like to see the pedestrianisation of the quay become an annual initiative during the summer.