The much-anticipated street party in Bridgwater, originally planned to celebrate the completion of the town’s ‘Celebration Mile’ roadworks, has been postponed for six months. The delay comes as Somerset Council and contractor Taylor Woodrow continue to work on essential improvements, which remain unfinished.
The ‘Celebration Mile’ project, funded with £9 million from the government-backed Bridgwater town deal, aims to create safer walking and cycling routes between Bridgwater railway station and Northgate Docks, passing through the town centre. However, the project has encountered significant setbacks, drawing criticism from local businesses and Conservative MP Sir Ashley Fox.
Bridgwater Town Council, in partnership with Somerset Council and local businesses, had scheduled the ‘Paving The Way Street Party’ for October 4 to mark the completion of roadworks on Angel Place, Clare Street, and Eastover. Unfortunately, Somerset Council confirmed the event will now be held in late April 2026, as the roadworks will not be finished in time.
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Graham Hodgson, landlord of The Cobblestones pub on Eastover and an active promoter of the event among local traders, expressed his disappointment on social media. He highlighted ongoing delays, particularly with the Eastover section, and criticized the council for stepping back from coordinating the event.
“Groundworkers on Eastover and Angel Crescent won’t finish in time, and it’s unsafe to hold celebrations in an unfinished area,” he said. “The council has effectively handed over responsibility to the town council and me. It feels like they don’t care about Bridgwater’s residents or businesses.”
A September 8 report to Somerset Council’s executive committee outlined the challenges affecting the project’s delivery, citing uncharted underground services that required redesign, as well as issues with planning, procurement, and resource allocation. Due to budget pressures, some planned improvements at East Quay and Salmon Parade have been removed from the scheme, saving approximately £300,000.
Council representatives noted that while most works on the Celebration Mile are expected to conclude by early October, additional tasks such as temporary signage for a new one-way system in East Quay and Salmon Parade will follow later in the year. Resurfacing in this area will be deferred to the council’s routine maintenance schedule.
Officials confirmed ongoing collaboration with Bridgwater Town Council regarding the street party but emphasized it could not proceed in October given the project’s delays. They expressed enthusiasm for the event, now rescheduled for April 25, 2026, to showcase the enhanced public spaces once completed and to involve local traders.