A group tasked with economic regeneration in Oakham has hit back at criticism of itself and a one-way system that has been introduced in the town.

The measures from 4Oakham and backed by Rutland County Council aimed to improve safety for shoppers as the country comes out of lockdown.

Questions have been raised on social media about the usefulness of the one-way system in Mill Street, as well as about the organisation 4Oakham.

As reported by Nub News, the formation of the group was announced by the county council in March.

Today, Thomas Cooper, the chairman of 4Oakham, issued a statement defending the organisation and the changes introduced.

He said: "Funds were made available from Government to help towns cope in the post-lock down era and to enable social distancing in the town centre, the aim being to increase business in all forms.

"This was tasked to Oakham Town Council, but after a number of weeks, 4Oakham were frustrated nothing had happened and so approached Oakham Town Council with some plans.

"We ruled out Oakham Town Council's suggestion of a one-way system in the High Street due to previous issues and we emphasise that there is absolutely no plan for a one-way system.

"However, we did feel there was a possibility of creating a safer environment for shoppers in Mill Street and the Market Place.

"4Oakham also saw that, though entirely a Covid response, this was a chance to TEST if wider pavements and one-way traffic in Mill Street, while keeping on-street parking, could lead to a more "café culture" feel and enhanced footfall.

He continued: "Despite the short time-frame, where able, we did discuss this with local shop owners, and no one envisaged a negative impact, although with hindsight, perhaps we should have tried harder to contact those businesses who were closed.

"We were initially hindered by the fact that Oakham Town Partnership would not assist us with contacting businesses. We have listened and taken note of all the comments we have received and kept businesses informed.

"Despite the current backlash, there has been positive feedback from some residents and businesses, but the main objection has been the unattractive style and the effect of the type of barrier that was installed, and to a lesser extent, the loss of 12 parking spaces in Mill Street.

"The downturn in the weather and the start of school holidays have not helped.

"The barriers have now gone. The temporary one-way will stay in place for the moment, as a safety measure, with so many pedestrians walking in the road to achieve social distancing on the narrow pavements.

Mr Cooper added: "4Oakham was set up by RCC to deliver the recommendations from the Task and Finish Group to revitalise the Town. It has been incorporated, in order to be able to raise grant funding for the benefit of Oakham.

"We met at the start of the year with retailers, residents, and local groups and councils at RCC offices to outline the objectives. We clearly stated that we would help facilitate improvements, and would look for local people and businesses to be engaged in the process.

"This was planned to be a regular forum but Covid curtailed this, and we await a time when we can reinstate this, as it is central to our belief that this should be community driven.

"We have no executive powers, and our terms of reference are based on engagement. 4Oakham is not here to undemocratically change the town, but was set up, off the back of a democratic process engaging with the majority of the community.

"We are volunteers with no financial gain and all we want to achieve is future prosperity for the town; we invite those who want to be involved to contact us."