Residents moving into a new development of affordable homes in Street, Somerset, can now enjoy a safer and more convenient journey to Clarks Village shopping centre, thanks to the completion of a key infrastructure project.
Somerset Council initiated a four-month upgrade on the A39 Westway in January, replacing traffic lights at critical junctions and resurfacing the road to improve traffic flow and safety. A significant highlight of this project was the construction of a new shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists by contractor Octavius. This active travel link runs between the Farm Road underpass and the Street roundabout, where the A39 meets the B3151 Somerton Road.
This new pathway provides residents of 33 affordable homes on Portland Road direct, safe access to Clarks Village, local services, and onward to Glastonbury without depending on private vehicles.
READ MORE: Jazz Legend James Pearson to Light Up The Pump Room in Bath
READ MORE: Rain Denies Somerset Victory Over Sussex in Frustrating County Championship Draw
Developed by Aster Housing, based in Wiltshire, the project builds on land designated in the Mendip Local Plan Part II for a minimum of 32 homes. Although planning approval was granted in June 2025, legal agreements were finalized only in late March this year. Nearby, the council has also approved plans for an additional 65 homes on Moorland Road, including 20 affordable units.
Councillor Liz Leyshon, representing the Street division, expressed her enthusiasm: “Every time I walk down the high street, young people ask when they’ll have access to affordable housing to rent or buy. I’m hopeful construction at the Aster site will start soon.”
Both Portland Road and Moorland Road residents can now use existing footpaths through Woods Batch green space and Grange Road to reach the Farm Road underpass, linking directly with the new active travel route that leads to Clarks Village’s main entrance.
The pathway continues across Somerton Road and connects with the narrow footpath along the A39 The Causeway, heading toward Glastonbury over the River Brue. Councillor Leyshon is actively advocating for upgrades to this segment of the route to improve safety and accessibility between the two towns.
On her official Facebook page, Leyshon shared, “It’s wonderful to see so many people using the new path. I’m focusing on how to enhance the section between the big roundabout and Pomparles Bridge, which is currently too narrow to comfortably accommodate the volume of foot and cycle traffic.”
This project marks a significant step forward in supporting active travel and providing affordable housing residents with safer, greener commuting options.