The Isle of Wight Council has forked out more than £65,000 installing new social distancing measures in the Island's high streets.
The local authority says it still has another £60,788 of Government cash available. It was given £126,269 as part of the Reopening the High Street Safely Fund.
The fund assists councils with the cost of putting safety measures in place in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Social distancing markers and signs have already been installed in Cowes, Ryde and Newport high streets.
The council says, to date, the works have cost a total of £65,481. A spokesperson said:
"From next week we will see non-essential retail open and to support two metres social distancing guidance in business areas of the Island we have put in place “pop up” measures.
"They are designed to make areas safe for pedestrians and support businesses and communities and are just one example of how we are preparing the Island for living with Covid-19 and being Covid-secure. The measures are all about helping to make people feel confident and secure when using our high streets and retail areas."
The £65,000 figure accounts for items that will be used across Island towns.
Newport high street
The council says it cannot yet provide an aggregated cost per town, but is happy to share the information when projects are finished.
The installation of the new 'markers' coincides with reports that the 2m social distance rule could be changed to 1m.
When asked what it plans to do if that happens, the council said:
"The council plans to maintain the temporary measures that are being rolled out as a guide to aid visitors to town high streets to make their own personal assessment on how they socially distance while out.
"We are undertaking these measures in line with the Safer Public Places – Urban Centres and Green Spaces guidance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/
Newport high street
The social distancing markers have already proved controversial among some Island residents.
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