MAJOR traffic restrictions will be introduced in Hexham town centre on Saturday.

A temporary one-way traffic system will operate every day of the week except Saturdays between 9am to 5pm.

The one-way traffic system will run from the north end of Beaumont Street at the point opposite the Abbey car park with vehicles able to travel past the Abbey and down Market Street, with the one-way traffic restriction ending at the junction between Cowgarth and Market Street.

A temporary road closure midway down Hallstile Bank will also be enforced to prevent it being a through route for vehicles.

It will still be possible for vehicles travelling on the one-way system to turn into Market Place which will remain open to two-way traffic so that vehicular access is maintained for residents and businesses.

A temporary road closure/ pedestrianisation of Market Place (except for access to off street premises) will operate every Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

To create this pedestrian space there will be several temporary road closures. This will include a road closure at the north end of Beaumont Street opposite the Abbey car park. Several of the on-street parking bays opposite the Abbey car park entrance will also be taken out of use so there is sufficient space for vehicles to turn around and travel back up Beaumont Street.

The temporary road closure on Market Street will be at the junction with Cowgarth, so vehicles are able to turn around at this point.

The council said the restrictions would help create a safer environment and more space for pedestrian movements and social distancing in and around the Market Place.

The council said the measures could be removed at anytime during the 12-month period, if appropriate.