Thornbury High Street to stay closed except for drop-offs

South Gloucestershire Council say the plans will meet the current and future needs of residents, but they have been been rejected by Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall - who says disabled residents and those with reduced mobility will be left 'completely unable' to access the High Street.

The closure of the High Street has been a divisive issue since it was introduced in June. Many of the town's residents and business owners have vocally opposed it, and a recent petition calling for the road to reopen has gathered more than 1,000 signatures, while others have been more receptive to the idea.

The proposals will be discussed by South Gloucestershire Council's Cabinet on Monday, June 7.

A council spokesperson said: "The plans will equip the High Street to meet current and future challenges and the needs of residents, delivering a local community hub, providing space for all to enjoy day and night.

"Importantly, the High Street will not be fully pedestrianised, but will have a one-way system to allow vehicles access for deliveries, as well as customer pick-ups and drop-offs, which were key asks from the community in feeding back to the interim measures put in place during the pandemic.

"During periods of restrictions due to Covid-19 the Government instructed and made funding available to adapt town centres and high streets to enable traders to do business under the various restrictions in place to keep communities safe.

"Experimental measures were put in place on Thornbury High Street to reallocate space normally used by vehicles for shops to display more produce and serve customers safely. Cafes, for example, were also able to expand their outdoor seating, and we were able to promote active travel, including cycling and walking.

"These measures undoubtedly helped many businesses trade safely under the very difficult circumstances over the past 15 months and allowed residents to feel safe about returning to and supporting local employers.

"Cabinet will consider the development of a longer-term, wider vision for Thornbury that has at its core a High Street that is open for access to support traders and people who live there, and where changes are made, they will reflect the centre of the town’s conservation area status.

"In developing these plans, we will ensure that we continue to listen and learn from the experience to date, with proposals for the long-term scheme being subject to broad engagement working closely with the community, the Thornbury Town Centre Partnership and others. This engagement may include targeted focus groups to address specific issues such as resident parking, for example.

"Over the past year, the council has allocated £220,000 from a range of sources to work that has helped businesses on Thornbury High Street to safely provide for residents and shoppers. We have also secured funding to develop our longer-term business case and we will to bid for more money to help us deliver our vision for this important local centre; working with the community to ensure it is a high-quality public asset, which meets local peoples’ needs in a way that reflects and conserves its history."

The council has announced plans to implement the following in June:

• Through traffic will remain prohibited, but new road lining will create a clear roadway for motorised vehicles accessing the High Street for loading and unloading and to access residential properties on the High Street, in the same one-way direction in use currently, using textured lining paint to help the visually impaired.

• Extend the temporary ramps on the kerbs through the High Street to improve accessibility on and off the pavement.

• Create clear and well signed parallel loading and unloading bays and drop-off and pick-up points on the High Street.

• Install additional street furniture – benches, adapted cycle parking etc.

• Reduce the planters and secure in location to avoid anti-social behaviour issues and work with Thornbury In Bloom to ensure displays are coherent with wider Thornbury in Bloom schemes.

• Review entrance and exit gateways to slow traffic on entry, progression through High Street and exit.

• Review signage to ensure appropriate access from Bristol Road and Midland Way roundabout.

Cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure, Councillor Steve Reade, said: “Thornbury High Street, like town centres across the country, have seen tough trading conditions made more difficult by the pandemic, but have responded brilliantly in adapting the way they do business and serve their communities in a safe way, so that with the right support they are poised to bounce back and thrive as we look to the future.

“We have and continue to work closely with local residents, businesses and others to support the safe reopening of the High Street and supported hospitality providing more outdoor space for customers. I am delighted that six premises have been granted street trading licences and a further two are making use of the additional space to present items for sale.

“This past year has been dreadful for so many reasons, but there are some positives we have an opportunity to build on as we aim to put the tough times behind us and look forward with fresh eyes and high hopes. Recent pedestrian counts tell us that increasing numbers are returning to local shops and businesses as restrictions are eased, with around 500 people visiting the High Street and around 100 cyclists.

“The future High Street vision supports the regeneration of the town centre and puts the High Street at the heart of a thriving community supporting the town’s recovery from the pandemic. We all want to see a space that meets the needs of all residents and visitors both in safety, access and experience.

“Thank you to the many residents, businesses and groups that gave us their feedback. As a result, vehicles will still be able to access to the High Street in one direction, but only in support of the businesses there. This future vision will embrace and encourage active travel, through safe cycling and walking routes to the High Street, enabling all to enjoy the reduction in traffic and noise when using the High Street.

“Longer term, we want to make sure as a priority that the centre of Thornbury is accessible for those using public transport and we will review bus service provision to make sure those needs are met.

“We also want to play our part in delivering a digitally enabled High Street, with fast and strong connectivity for businesses and visitors alike, maximising the opportunity for online retail through click and collect, making use of shared space for skills and training, and recognising the demand for more remote working with residents staying local and working from home.”

Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall has launched a petition to address the lack the of Blue Badge parking, on the High Street.

He said: “We cannot accept these plans as they are. Many disabled residents and those with reduced mobility will be faced with being completely unable to access the High Street at all.

"It’s welcome that South Gloucestershire Council have listened to the clear voice of Thornbury and prevented a full pedestrianisation of the High Street, but they must change course and ensure our beautiful High Street is accessible for every resident in our community.”