Somerset Council has agreed to review the implementation of a new one-way system in Bridgwater along with local parking arrangements.
The Government-funded Celebration Mile scheme, inherited from the former Sedgemoor District Council, aims to enhance the visitor experience in key areas of the town and improve cycling and walking provision.
Part of the project, which was widely consulted on and completed earlier this year, involves one-way systems which have been introduced on Salmon Parade and East Quay.
Somerset Council Members at this week’s Full Council meeting voted to launch a review of these.
The review will also consider the reinstatement of parking on Salmon Parade, which has been removed as part of the project.
The decision, based on an amended motion proposed by Councillor Leigh Redman, follows concerns raised by businesses, residents, the Bridgwater Town Deal Board and local Somerset Council Members, as well as petitions submitted by businesses and the public, calling for the one-way system to be reversed.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, Councillor Mike Rigby said:
We have heard the frustration of many Bridgwater residents concerning the Salmon Parade and East Quay elements of the Celebration Mile.
Normally these sorts of changes take time to bed in, but we accept that local people want us to look again at this, and that is what we have agreed to do.
If it’s possible to make this better by making changes then we will of course do that, that’s what the review will look at.
To be clear, it will consider reinstating parking on Salmon parade at the earliest opportunity, as well as reviewing the direction of one-way traffic on both Salmon Parade and East Quay, while prioritising pedestrian safety at the Eastover Town Bridge Junction.
It is important to recognise that the core objective of the project was pedestrian safety through the town centre, as well as improving the viability of town centre businesses by improving the shopping and visitor experience.
Outcomes of the review will be based on evidence and engagement with stakeholders and it will return to the Council within 4 months with a report and timetable for implementation.
Eastover, along with Angel Place and Clare Street are also important elements of the Celebration Mile project. As well as a one-way system in Eastover, new wider pavements have been created to improve the public space using high quality paving materials, along with the addition of new street furniture, lighting and planters.
The completed project also forms an active travel route connecting the railway station to the Docks, which are in line for regeneration, also funded by the Town Deal.
