High Street in the Somerset village of Chew Magna is scheduled to close for more than four weeks this summer as Bath & North East Somerset Council undertakes a significant footpath upgrade. The project aims to enhance pedestrian safety while preserving the historic character of the area.
Beginning Monday, July 28, and lasting until Friday, August 29, the section of the B3130 between Harford Square and Battle Lane will be closed to all vehicles. Due to the narrow width of the road, this closure is necessary to ensure both the safety of workers and continued pedestrian access during construction.
This work is part of the council’s broader footway investment program, which has seen its funding double over the past two years to encourage active travel such as walking and wheeling.
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The improvements include levelling and repairing the footpaths, many of which feature traditional pennant stone slabs. Damaged slabs will be replaced, and a large asphalt section will be resurfaced using reclaimed pennant slabs to maintain the street’s historic aesthetic.
Cllr Lucy Hodge, cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, noted, “The condition of the footway along High Street, largely made up of traditional pennant slabs, has deteriorated and become uneven over time. Our goal is to make walking and wheeling in Chew Magna safer and more accessible, without compromising its unique charm.”
To minimise disruption to residents and businesses, the council, in consultation with the parish council, decided to carry out the work in several phases over multiple years. The current phase coincides with the school summer holidays to reduce traffic volume and avoid conflicts with the school run.
Cllr Hodge added, “After evaluating all options and consulting the parish council, phasing the work was deemed best. This approach lessens the impact on the community, and scheduling the first phase during summer means fewer vehicles on the road. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and are committed to completing the work as swiftly as possible to reopen High Street.”
Throughout the construction, pedestrian access will be maintained via a secured walkway, though cyclists will be required to dismount. Work will begin at the junction of Chew Street and Harford Square, with sections reopening progressively.
This improvement project runs concurrently with gas main replacement operations on nearby Silver Street by Wales & West Utilities, which are also scheduled to minimise disturbance during the school holidays. While the X91 Chew Valley Sprint bus service will operate as usual, the WESTlocal Route 99 will be diverted. Updated route information is available on the Big Lemon website.