The County Councils traffic regulation sub committee recently met and approved a West Quay Pedestrianisation Scheme. The scheme originated from the West Quay Action Group in the light of the wall collapse there, the repair of which provided an opportunity to consider pedestrianisation.

The Action Group presented a petition of 586 signatures in support and gained the support of the Town Council, Sedgemoor District Council, the Heritage Regeneration Group, the Police and Emergency services and now Somerset County Council.

The original proposal put to Council by the Action group was for full length pedestrianisation but this was reduced due to lack of funding to an apron along the front of the shops in West Quay.

A second petition by objectors totalling 126 – mainly concerned with the possibility of anti-social behaviour, the through-route restriction and the loss of the 3 parking bays, was countered by the Panel who concluded that those supporting the scheme were in the vast majority.

The link below takes you to the documents and decision making papers relating to the decision.
The scheme approved is the shorter length which includes Fore st to castle st and an extra access route is created via Northgate Car park.

The decisions have been published on the Council’s website and can be viewed here: www1.somerset.gov.uk/council/meetings/results.asp?ccode=16