Street barriers that encourage social distancing will remain in place across Harrow until at least September 15, despite concerns they are having a “devastating” impact on businesses.

The deputy leader of Harrow Council, Cllr Keith Ferry, went against recommendations by the traffic and road safety panel (TARSAP), which said barriers in Honeypot Lane, Streatfield Road, Kenton Road and Kenton Lane should be withdrawn immediately.

Cllr Marilyn Ashton, deputy leader of Harrow Conservatives, criticised Cllr Ferry’s decision and said she would “hold him personally accountable” if any businesses are forced to close as a result.

“I think to go behind the recommendations is wrong – it’s a mistake that will upset a lot of people,” she said.

At an emergency TARSAP meeting earlier this month, Ian Mandel, who runs trophy shop Awards4U, said the barriers were discouraging people from visiting since they take up parking space.

“There’s absolutely no footfall – the whole thing doesn’t make sense,” he said.

“Shops are closing down because they can’t make any profit. I’ve taken less than £500 since March, you can’t run a business on that.”

Harrow Conservatives’ leader Cllr Paul Osborn said this was first-hand evidence of a decrease in footfall at shops affected by the new measures and that, by keeping them in place, many will “struggle to survive”.

However, the council said a recent survey suggests there has not been a drop in the number of visitors to these precincts, while Cllr Ferry said widened pavements are likely to attract more customers.

And Cllr Varsha Parmar, who is responsible for the environment at Harrow Council, said keeping residents safe by encouraging social distancing is the priority.

She said: “Looking at the current situation around us, this has never been more important.

“This is not about individuals or groups who want this or that, this is about you and your neighbours, you and your loved ones, you and your communities.

“This is about us working collectively together and looking out for each other – the virus hasn’t gone away.”