Thornbury high street changes approved Thornbury High Street scheme brought in because of the pandemic has been adopted permanently despite opposition from the community. South Gloucestershire Council closed the route in Thornbury on 7th June last year as part of social distancing.
Thornbury councillor Maggie Tyrrell, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group, said in a statement online that it was no surprise that the “very divisive” experiment had triggered a “well organised campaign” of opposition.
But traders and residents had urged the council to reopen the road to boost footfall and to improve access.
But she added there were problems with traffic on the High Street before the pandemic and two previous consultations had found residents wanted it to be “more pedestrian friendly”.
Council leader Toby Savage said in a statement online he was "comfortable" they had taken the feedback into account.
This follows objection from dozens of residents who wrote to the council expressing their objection to the proposed changes.
The local authority's ruling group voted One person wrote: "Before making decisions unanimously to adopt the scheme permanently this afternoon, bear in mind that the majority on Monday 21st June, according to the Local of Thornbury are against these proposals." Democracy Reporting Service. Lin Guppy, who petitioned against the Through-traffic is banned from the High Street pedestrianisation, said in a statement that the and a one-way system allows access for closure was a "huge" problem, especially for delivery drivers and residents only. the elderly and disabled. ’ Theses new changes mean drop-off and pick- She added: "It's punishing the traders there. up points will be added for shoppers and more They're really struggling because of footfall." on-street parking will be provided for blue badge holders. Approximately 2,900 people who responded to a public consultation about the changes, Local council cabinet members have 65% disagreed with making the pedestrian defended their decision, which they say and cycle zone permanent, and 49% dis“supports the local economy, the community agreed with the one-way system completely. and our climate emergency goals”. The council will consult further with the public as it develops more detail around it’s vision for the quaint High Street. 18
