Nearly 2,000 people have put their name on a call to close roads on weekends and let cafes and restaurants use them for outdoor dining.

The petition addressed to Richmond Council and Councillor Geoff Acton, cabinet member for Business, Economy and Employment, was started by Teddington woman Stefanie Wedge.

It reads: "I want to support the restaurants and cafes in our local area get back up and running, by allowing them to use road space for outdoor tables and chairs over a weekend.

"Many do not have outdoor spaces so this is a way to allow them to get an income again, whilst also allowing the locals to enjoy eating out - whilst socially distancing.

"We need to support our local community and economy!"

Positive dialogue

In an update, Ms Wedge said: "I have had very positive conversations with councillors at Richmond Council, who are already looking at how to support our local businesses and pedestrianised areas.

"I'm now going to be asking the other tradespeople (non 'eaterie') in this area - Teddington, Twickenham and Hampton Hill - to support this initiative too and hopefully from there a 'test' weekend would follow."

Ms Wedge's proposal has effectively come to fruition in Church Street, Twickenham, which is now pedestrianised between 10am and midnight every day.

We'd love to hear what you think about her idea.

You can view and sign the petition on the change.org website here.

Today (Tuesday, June 23) Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave cafes, restaurants and the wider hospitality industry the green light to reopen on July 4.