THE CLOSURE of a Wimborne road is to be extended, having been hailed as a “tremendous success” by a local community group.

Since April, East Street has closed every Sunday in order to allow businesses to operate outside, and the event, known as the Sunday Session, has been praised by Wimborne Minster BID – a group that works closely with the town council.

Kyleigh Orbelar, Wimborne BID director, said: “I am so proud of the work the BID has put in to get this off the ground and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing this event come to life. The atmosphere is wonderful, and it is only likely to get better as this tremendous success grows through the summer with live bands and craft stalls in the planning.

“The initial idea of closing East Street to traffic on a Sunday to help small businesses during the easing of lockdown restrictions has had the most amazing feedback from businesses, their customers, passers-by soaking up the atmosphere and the volunteer stewards working the event.

“With such great feedback we have made the decision to extend the Sunday Sessions throughout the summer until the end of August.”

The closure applies from Millstream Close to the junction at the High Street. From Park Lane to Millstream Close there is access for residents and trade vehicles only. The closure runs from 9am, with businesses opening at 10am. Seating is cleared at 4pm and the road reopens fully by 5pm.

Laura from The Butchers Dog in East Street said: “Our customers absolutely love these Sundays. Many come in the morning for a coffee, wander around town and then pop back for a beer after lunch – customers have said that they come into Wimborne on a Sunday now because this lovely event happens”.

The Sunday Session is now due to conclude on August 29 and the BID has urged residents not to park on East Street before these Sundays.

For further information or queries, email office@wimborne.info