A group of shopkeepers are frustrated by Sheerness high street in Kent being closed off to cars between 10am - 4pm with metal barriers (pedestrianised), as they believe it is killing the high street, and have setup a Facebook group callled 'Sheerness High Street Against Road Closure'.

The group hoped to protest the closing of the barriers at 10am this morning (June 7), but appeared to be 'thwarted' after council stewards delayed the closing of the barriers until well after the shopkeepers had dispersed.

The shopkeepers waited until 10.30 am, before dispersing and the barriers are normally placed across the road at 10am sharp. It's unclear whether this was intentional by the stewards, or if the barriers were left open for some other reason. Footage shows the the barriers in place as normal at 11.30 am.

UK high streets continue to face the challenge of Internet shopping and large out of town shopping areas with free car parking.

Local opinions over the pedestrianisation of Sheerness high street are divided.

Swale Council are currently running a consultation about whether the temporary road closures in Sheerness, Sittingbourne and Faversham are worth continuing.