MORE than 60 percent of people who participated in polls by the Romsey Advertiser have revealed they will be heading out to support shops and businesses once the high streets reopen on Monday.

This comes after it was announced Romsey is one of three town centres across Test Valley set to benefit from a cash boost of up to £112,403 from the Government.

The money will come from the £50 million Reopening High Streets Safely Fund and will also be allocated to Stockbridge and Andover.

The Romsey Advertiser asked readers on social media if they will visit high streets once business owners open their doors to the public as coronavirus lockdown continues to ease.

Polls held on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, which provide just a small snapshot of the situation, showed the majority of voters will head to the shops next week. 

On Twitter, 81 percent of users responded yes to the question, while on Instagram 66 percent said the same.

A poll on the Romsey Advertiser Facebook page found 64 percent of respondents would go to their high streets next week.

A post on the page also sparked a debate on the question and these are some of the responses.

One commenter said they would support the high streets, but would prefer it if a road in the heart of Romsey, The Hundred, was closed by "Hampshire County Council (HCC) to non-essential vehicles so social distancing is easier to maintain".

Another person said: "Yes, if there's something I need to buy on Monday and I can get it from a local shop - just the same as I've been doing for weeks and weeks with my bread and milk."

However, one resident stressed they can't go out into Romsey yet, as they are still shielding.

They added: "I really wish HCC would reconsider and allow timed closures of the road, it would certainly help make social distancing easier.

"I do wish everyone good luck for next week."

While another reader said they will not be venturing out to the shops, because they can buy their products online.

They added: "Anything I want is just a click away; shops still have a roll but should now be a part of a predominantly online entity.

"Now is maybe a good time to modernise."