THE future of Thornbury's High Street and a closed hall hangs in the balance - with residents urged to turn out to show their support for what happens next.

Residents will be asked two questions at two parish polls - to be held next week - and the results may shape the future of the town.

One question will be about whether to scrap controversial plans to pedestrianise the High Street while the other centres on what residents want to see happen to the Armstrong Hall Complex.

The Armstrong Hall Action Alliance have called for the complex to become an art and community centre with a cinema, live performances and exhibitions.

This poll comes after controversy over what should happen to the hall.

The Alliance want it to stay in Chapel Street - but the Town Council who are the trustees of Armstrong Hall Trust, have suggested that they would like to relocate the facilities to Turnberries, in Bath Road.

The Armstrong Hall Action Alliance (AHAA) said they are increasingly concerned about a decision to move the facility.

They claim all discussions have taken place behind closed doors and that community facilities at Turnberries draw footfall away from the High Street.

The two parish polls were called for at Thornbury’s annual town meeting last month and now residents will be asked to vote Yes or No in the two polls.

The Armstrong Hall poll will ask: Would you like the Town Council to carry out a consultation with residents and Armstrong Hall users as was previously done when coming to a decision on the future of the Armstrong Hall?”

Meanwhile, on the same day, another poll will also ask: “Do you want Thornbury High Street returned to its pre-pandemic status of through traffic for all vehicles and timed parking bays on both sides of the carriageway?”

Thornbury Residents' Association has said it’s “vital” that voters show up.

A spokesperson for the association said: “This is the main chance, and perhaps the only one, for the electors of Thornbury to show in a straight yes-no vote whether or not they are in agreement with the restoration of our historic high street to its pre-Covid layout.

“This should bring the bonuses of providing passing trade access to the high street shops, boosting the trading economy in the street, reducing traffic congestion on Rock Street, and improving air quality near the retirement apartments and sheltered housing on Rock Street and Midland Way.

"It is vital that everyone takes this chance to voice their opinion."

South Gloucestershire council maintains they have consulted widely with residents and businesses regarding the High Street, considered all comments and made changes to address any concerns.

South Gloucestershire Council is planning on making the changes to the High Street permanent, with work due to begin this summer and finish by October next year.

The council say they will ‘welcome public feedback’ from the polls.

The polls will be held on Thursday, May 26, between 4pm and 9 pm.

There are no postal or proxy votes, and no voting cards. The locations for voting are, as usual, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road; the Scout Hut, Park Road; and Turnberries Community Centre at the lower corner of the Rock Street car park.