No alterations will be made to the Celebration Mile in Bridgwater town centre until at least October after Somerset Council decided to postpone any changes pending further public consultation.
The Celebration Mile, a project aimed at enhancing the stretch from Bridgwater railway station to Northgate Docks, had already seen the implementation of one-way systems along Eastover, East Quay, and Salmon Parade. This scheme, funded by £9 million from central government, intended to improve visitor experience, cycling, and walking provisions.
However, alongside the cancellation of upgrades to the Cross Rifles roundabout, these changes have increased traffic congestion, resulting in frustration among local residents and businesses.
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Following a motion in December 2025 and months of monitoring traffic data, Somerset Council’s executive committee convened in Taunton but voted to delay any final decision until after additional stakeholder engagement. The next review of the scheme will take place in early October, pushing potential changes beyond Christmas.
The Celebration Mile has been over a decade in development, initiated through the Bridgwater Vision published in 2009. Initially approved by Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset County Council, both formerly Conservative-controlled bodies, the project aimed to enhance pedestrian and cycling routes and revitalize the town centre.
While some parking has been restored on Salmon Parade, data collected between November 2025 and May 2026 suggests the scheme has not caused “acute congestion” and that most delays are linked to predictable peak demand times rather than systemic failures.
Footfall analysis indicated a drop during heavy construction periods but showed a partial recovery afterward. Notably, areas like Eastover have experienced declines in visitor numbers, raising concerns over the scheme’s impact on local businesses.
Opposition councillor Diogo Rodrigues criticized the initiative, arguing it has failed to increase footfall as intended. Traders like Mandy Maskell have echoed sentiments that the council appears more focused on its agenda than prioritizing Bridgwater’s needs.
The council presented five options for East Quay and Salmon Parade’s future, from maintaining current arrangements to reintroducing two-way traffic. While options allowing two-way traffic could improve journey times, they risk increasing town centre traffic and compromising cyclist and pedestrian safety. The estimated costs range from £10,000 to £120,000 depending on the option.
Labour group leader Councillor Leigh Redman, who initiated the review, advocated a compromise proposal reinstating two-way traffic on East Quay with Salmon Parade northbound only and enhanced pedestrian crossings. He stressed the importance of addressing residents' and businesses’ real experiences alongside data to prevent further harm to the town centre’s vitality.
Despite these suggestions, the executive voted to keep the existing traffic arrangements for now, committing to further engagement with stakeholders over summer and a review of the Bridgwater Vision to ensure it reflects current realities.
Councillor Richard Wilkins emphasized the trade-off between maintaining a quieter, more pedestrian-friendly environment and facilitating faster car journeys, affirming the project’s goal of enhancing visitor experience despite traffic concerns.
Meanwhile, opposition voices like Mr. Rodrigues and MP Sir Ashley Fox continue to call for restoring two-way traffic, citing residents’ complaints about delays and navigation challenges. Sir Ashley welcomed the forthcoming consultation but criticized the council’s delay, emphasizing the nearly one-year disruption residents have endured.
With both data and local sentiment fueling debate, the future of Bridgwater’s Celebration Mile remains uncertain, awaiting further public input and council deliberation later this year.