A NUMBER of roads are being temporarily closed in Thornbury as preparatory works begin ahead of the changes to the High Street.

The works that began on June 27 will require temporary traffic signals and road closures and will shut the two main car parks in the town.

South Gloucestershire council say the works will continue until the end of August and are part of network improvements, to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion on Rock Street.

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “The works are part of a programme of investment in Thornbury to support a sustainable High Street that is fit for the future, improve air quality, make it easier for people to walk and cycle to and from the High Street, and around the town, and improve parking for residents, businesses, and visitors.”

The roads closed in Thornbury will be:
• Rock Street bus stop and Grace Lodge: 27 June – 15 July 
• Wednesday – St Mary Street car park 
• Thursday, June 30 – Rock Street car park
• Midland Road roundabout: July, 18 –  August, 5
• Bristol Road roundabout: August 8 –  August, 26 

The council will be working twilight hours 6pm – 2am. 

The closures come ahead of a meeting on Friday where funding for the changes is set to be established. 

WECA Joint Committee are to meet on Friday, July 1 at Midsomer Norton Town Hall to discuss the funding application by South Gloucestershire Council for changes to Thornbury High Street.

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Residents who oppose the changes are set to attend the open meeting to put forward statements regarding their views.

Thornbury Town and District Residents Association Member John Reynolds will be attending.

He said: "A number of residents have submitted questions and myself and one other have presentations to put forward.

"My presentation will outline what our association believes to be a total lack of democracy in decision-making by South Gloucestershire Council and its leader, Toby Savage.

"We feel that there has been such a lack of communication that we have not been given any way to discuss or negotiate a way forward."

South Gloucestershire Council has maintained that they will work closely with stakeholders including residents, businesses, Thornbury Town Council, and establish new groups such as their equalities representatives, to develop a high street that is fit for the future.