Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall has rejected South Gloucestershire Council's plans for the future of Thornbury High Street.

The road is set to stay closed to all traffic, with the exception of deliveries and pick-ups/drop-offs under proposals announced today (Friday, May 28).

The MP is calling on the council to address the lack the of Blue Badge parking, which he says will leave many disabled residents and those with reduced mobility being 'completely unable to access the High Street'.

It comes after the council used an emergency order to close the High Street to traffic last June in order to help shoppers comply with social distancing.

This meant that the High Street has been closed between The Close and Castle Court ever since, with traffic diverted via Midland Lane, Rock Street, Quaker Lane and on to The Plain.

Luke said he welcomed the fact the council had listened to 'the clear voice of Thornbury' and prevented a full pedestrianisation of the High Street. But he has now launched a petition to address the 'outstanding flaws' in the plans, including the lack of Blue Badge parking.

The MP is also pressing for Soapers Lane to be opened as a through route.

Luke Hall MP 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.”

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