A THORNBURY resident has made a last-ditch attempt to get the town’s high street reopened, with a decision on the road’s future due in a matter of days.

More than 1,000 people have signed Lin Guppy’s petition, which calls for the high street to be made open to traffic once more.

South Gloucestershire Council have today announced proposals which would keep the road closed, other than for deliveries and pick-ups/drop-offs. 

The council’s Cabinet will discuss the plans at a meeting on June 7.

If the road is permanently closed to traffic, Lin said it would be ‘the end for us as a town'.

“It’s like the heart has been ripped out of the town,” she said.

“The high street is dead. The traders are suffering.

Lin says she used to regularly shop on the high street, but no longer feels able.

“I hurt my back last September. I couldn’t walk from the bus stop it’s too far.

“By the time you have parked it’s too far to walk to the shops.”

Lin also raised safety concerns regarding the volume of traffic on Rock Street.

“The congestion is appalling. It’s always been a bit dodgy but now you have got this huge volume of traffic.

“I hope the council will think again and realise they have upset a lot of people. If you are elderly or disabled you should be able to go up town. They have taken that away.

“Covid has given them a free hand to do what they want.

“They should give people who live here a choice. They should involve us in the decision. There are some people who are for it but the majority seem to be against.”

Lin said she would be happy for a one-way system to be introduced, or for the high street to be fully closed once a month or for special occasions.

“Nobody would object to that,” she said.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said feedback from nine focus group sessions and 3,000 consultation responses were currently being reviewed.

"It is important that we analyse the feedback carefully and consider all views before making any decision on the future vision for the town and have continued to engage with residents and businesses throughout the consultation period and made further changes to improve accessibility and address concerns raised, particularly by disabled residents and visitors.

"We also need to ensure that consideration is given to the community as a whole, including the neighbouring road network and transport links,” they said.

You can sign the petition here

READ MORE: Thornbury High Street set to stay closed except for deliveries and drop-offs