Any alterations to Bridgwater’s Celebration Mile will not take effect until summer 2026, following a decision by Somerset councillors after months of debate and public outcry.
The Celebration Mile, a £9 million project funded through the government-backed Bridgwater town deal, introduced new one-way systems along Eastover, East Quay, and Salmon Parade. These sections are part of a broader plan to connect Bridgwater railway station to Northgate Docks, aiming to enhance pedestrian access and create inviting public spaces.
However, the cancellation of planned upgrades to the busy Cross Rifles roundabout, combined with the one-way system changes, has caused significant congestion across Bridgwater’s road network. Local residents and businesses have expressed strong frustration, citing difficulty accessing the town centre and disruptions to daily routines.
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Over 5,800 people signed a petition, spearheaded by Conservative opposition leader Councillor Diogo Rodrigues, demanding the reinstatement of two-way traffic on East Quay and Salmon Parade along with the restoration of lost parking spaces. This prompted the full council to vote on December 17 for a comprehensive review of the current traffic arrangements—a process expected to take up to four months.
The origins of the Celebration Mile date back to the 2009 Bridgwater Vision, initially developed by the former Conservative-led Sedgemoor District Council and updated in 2015. The subsequent Towns Fund initiative in 2019, under Boris Johnson’s government, provided the financial backing, making Bridgwater one of only 101 towns nationwide to benefit, alongside Glastonbury in Somerset.
When Somerset Council replaced the district authority in April 2023, the new Liberal Democrat administration was compelled to implement the previously approved schemes due to binding agreements and funding conditions linked to central government.
According to Councillor Richard Wilkins, responsible for transport and waste services, the project aligns with longstanding plans and consultations aimed at improving pedestrian connectivity rather than easing general traffic flow. He emphasized that the one-way system was designed to prioritize pedestrians by reducing traffic through Eastover, improving the area’s public realm, and integrating it with the town centre.
The £10.7 million Dunball roundabout upgrade was delivered simultaneously, but funding pressures led the council to cancel the Cross Rifles roundabout upgrade in August 2024. This junction is vital, linking several major roads and serving as a gateway to the local “gigafactory” site and retail areas.
Local opposition remains vocal. Business owners like Mandy Maskell from Eastover Indoor Shopping Centre described the impact as devastating, detailing how traffic restrictions have harmed trade and complicated daily life for residents, especially those with mobility challenges. Others, like Vanda Crow and Ian Bugler, highlighted rising congestion, poorer town access, and declining footfall as critical concerns.
Despite these complaints, some councillors offered a more measured view. Councillor Mike Rigby noted that footfall data indicates Bridgwater is performing better than many regional towns and stressed the importance of gathering sufficient evidence before enacting changes. Conversely, critics like Councillor Diogo Rodrigues called for swift action, arguing the current system is damaging businesses and community trust.
After an intense debate, the council agreed to postpone any major adjustments until after a full review is completed, with no changes expected until at least summer 2026. The delay reflects the legal and procedural requirements for traffic regulation orders, which include public consultation and minimum processing times.
The council faces ongoing pressure to balance investment, public safety, and economic vitality while addressing the community’s concerns. Residents and business leaders remain hopeful that the review will lead to effective solutions that restore accessibility and support Bridgwater’s growth.