A much-anticipated street party in Bridgwater, originally planned to celebrate the completion of the town’s ‘Celebration Mile’ roadworks, has been postponed by six months due to ongoing construction delays.
The ‘Celebration Mile’ is a key infrastructure project funded with £9 million from the government-backed Bridgwater Town Deal, aimed at creating safer walking and cycling routes connecting Bridgwater railway station with Northgate Docks through the town centre. Somerset Council and contractor Taylor Woodrow are responsible for delivering the project, which comprises three main sections: Angel Place, Clare Street, and Eastover.
Despite initial hopes to host the ‘Paving The Way Street Party’ on October 4, marking the end of the roadworks on these streets, Somerset Council recently confirmed the event will now be held in late April 2026. The delay is due to unfinished groundworks on Eastover and Angel Crescent, making it unsafe to hold public celebrations in the area.
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Local businesses, including Graham Hodgson, landlord of The Cobblestones pub on Eastover, who actively promoted the original event, expressed frustration at the postponement. Hodgson highlighted that Somerset Council has stepped back from event organization, leaving the responsibility to him and the town council. “They don’t care about the town, shops, or residents of Bridgwater,” he stated on social media.
According to a report presented to Somerset Council’s executive committee, the project has faced numerous challenges, including delays caused by unexpected underground utilities requiring redesign, planning, procurement issues, and resource constraints. Additionally, budget pressures have led to the removal of planned improvements to East Quay and Salmon Parade, saving roughly £300,000.
Somerset Council notes that major roadworks are expected to be substantially complete by early October 2024, with only minor works—such as temporary signage for a one-way system and resurfacing under a later maintenance program—remaining. However, the late completion date coupled with seasonal weather conditions makes an October celebration impractical.
The council and Bridgwater Town Council worked collaboratively to fund and organize the street party but agreed rescheduling was necessary due to the tight construction timeline. While public promotion of the event was limited to local traders, strong community support remains for celebrating the improved public spaces. The rescheduled event is now set for April 25, 2026, when better weather conditions should allow for a safe and enjoyable occasion.