The police said today: "We would like to warn the public about future night-time road diversions in the area of Mulcaster Street. Contingencies are now in place for traffic to be diverted the wrong way down Church Street when the police feel that the bottom end of Mulcaster Street has become dangerous. The move has been announced following the growth in this area associated with the night time economy that on occasion can make the area particularly dangerous to pedestrians."

Inspector Mark Coxshall, who has been leading on the initiative for the past year, said: “A plan has been created following lengthy engagement with businesses and political leads in order to ensure that all options had been explored”.

“The overriding aim is to improve public safety that at times is being compromised by the number of pedestrians and motorists in this area”.

The area will be monitored and when volumes of pedestrians increase, the police will decide whether to close the road.

Inspector Coxshall said: “The diversion will be trialled in order to see whether there is a positive impact on the safety of the public. This is a good example of businesses working together with the authorities in order to find solutions which hopefully will see a safer environment associated with the night-time economy.”

The temporary closure plan will be in place while longer term solutions and investment in the area are explored. Such measures could include pavement widening, removable barriers and pedestrians zones at key times.