THORNBURY protestors marched up and down the town today chanting 'Save our High Street' with placards that read 'Our High Street, Savaged to death' in reference to South Gloucestershire Council leader, Toby Savage.

Thornbury Town and District Resident Association (TTADRA) marched with over 100 residents in the first of two protests over changed to accessibility to the High Street.

The residents associations have vowed not to give up in their fight against the changes made to Thornbury High Street after funding of £4.6million was approved to progress South Gloucestershire Council's (SGC) vision for the future of the high street.

At the time Leader of the council Toby Savage said: "Ultimately we are trying to help Thornbury High Street to overcome the challenges that face all of our high streets.

“We have consulted at various stages over the course of this scheme and as a result it has changed to what was originally put in, but I recognise there are significant concerns from residents."

Work on the high street is then expected to start in July and be completed by October 2023.

Today residents marched in protest against the changes and will march again on Saturday.

A spokesperson for TTADRA said: "We have decided that the time has now come to show clear public discontent over the plans by South Gloucestershire Council and its Leader, Toby Savage, to proceed with permanent works to semi-pedestrianise Thornbury High Street."

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “Supporting Thornbury is a priority for South Gloucestershire Council.

"This includes a £4.5million investment in the council’s budget to help improve Thornbury High Street which received unanimous cross-party support by all South Gloucestershire Council Members last month.

“Our aspiration is to map out a future for the centre of the town that is shared by the community and will continue to be enjoyed for many generations to come. We want local people to help shape these plans and we are working hard to ensure they are fully engaged throughout the process.

“The changes are intended to benefit anyone shopping, walking, cycling or enjoying outdoor seating with less traffic, making it a more pleasant place to be.”

A public meeting will be held in the Conference Hall at Thornbury Leisure Centre at 7.30pm on Wednesday, April 6.