Somerset Council is inviting people to share their views on proposed changes to key local routes across the county.
The routes are a selection of rural and edge of residential area locations that provide an opportunity to improve access to the countryside and wider Somerset landscape.
The proposals are considering 5 locations to trial the removal of through routes for motor vehicles, with the aim of improving access for people walking, wheeling, cycling and horse riding.
The consultation is focusing on 5 locations with proposals on:
- Burcott Lane, Wells;
- Comeytrowe Road, Taunton;
- Neville’s Batch, Guerney Slade;
- Downend Road, Puriton; and
- Touches Lane, Chard.
This is a key stage in this process to help the Council better understand how to balance the needs of all users.
If progressed, any changes would be put in as a trial to enable residents and businesses to try it out, with further consultation to inform any decision on whether any trial should be made permanent. This would also inform the Council’s ambition to consider any further locations in the future.
To find out more and take part, visit the Council’s Green Lanes Consultation page.
Residents and businesses in proximity to the affected areas should receive a letter detailing the proposals. Local Councillors, City, Town and Parish Councils will also be notified.
Feedback from the public will be used to assess the potential benefits, challenges and wider impacts of the proposals on local communities.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said:
I would urge people to get involved, these locations provide a starting point for the Council to explore simple interventions to try and make routes more attractive for local residents and people walking, cycling or horse riding – we want to hear people’s views so we can be as well-informed as possible when it comes to taking the next steps.
