Somerset Council has confirmed that parking spaces on Salmon Parade, part of Bridgwater’s Celebration Mile, will be restored within the next eight weeks. The removal of these spaces, initially part of a £9 million government-funded project improving the route between Bridgwater’s railway station and historic docks, sparked frustration among local residents and businesses due to increased congestion.
The initial removal was linked to the rollout of three sections of the Celebration Mile, as well as the cancellation of planned upgrades to the Cross Rifles roundabout. This led to significant traffic issues across the town, prompting a petition with over 5,800 signatures urging the council to reconsider the changes.
In response, Somerset Council committed in December 2025 to a full review of the scheme and promised to implement any significant modifications by summer 2026. Now, the council is taking swift action to reinstate on-street parking on Salmon Parade by early June.
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Carole Edmunds, Bridgwater Town Councillor and advocate for active travel, highlighted the urgency of this matter at an executive committee meeting on April 1. She recalled previous assurances from Councillor Richard Wilkins that parking design plans were progressing rapidly and would soon undergo legal review. Councillor Mike Rigby also noted earlier that the reasons for parking removal were unclear and that parking restoration could happen quickly.
Edmunds emphasized the unanimous vote from Bridgwater Town Council in December 2025, calling for immediate restoration of on-street parking. Councillor Wilkins, responsible for transport and waste services, confirmed officers are prioritizing the project. He stated design details are being finalized and that a firm implementation date will be announced shortly, targeting completion within eight weeks. With planning completed, work can begin on a 28-day turnaround, ensuring parking spaces return promptly to meet community needs.