Luke Hall MP calls for Thornbury High Street to be included in review

The High Street has been closed to traffic for three years after it was first shut by South Gloucestershire Council during the pandemic.

Previously in May last year 72 per cent of Thornbury residents voted against the move in a referendum vote in the town - although the turnout of that vote was only about 24 per cent.

The £4.6 million council project, includes reducing through-traffic, removing parking bays, widening pathways, increasing cycle parking, adding seating and building new planters.

Construction work started in March this year and is expected to last until spring 2024.

Mr Hall has now described the scheme as “hugely damaging” which residents in Thornbury “simply didn’t agree to”. 

An aerial picture of Thornbury High Street - photo from before works began (Image: South Gloucestershire Council)

The government announced this week they would be reviewing low traffic neighbourhoods with PM Rishi Sunak stating “he's on the side of motorists”.

Mr Hall said in a letter to Transport Secretary of State Mark Harper MP that he would like to see vehicles driving down the High Street again. 

The Thornbury and Yate MP has also requested a meeting with Mr Harper so that he can "personally explain the impact of the changes" on the town.

Commenting on the current situation, Mr Hall said: “Pedestrianised High Street Schemes which proceed without community support are hugely damaging communities like Thornbury.

“There must be public support for a scheme like this to be imposed, and people in Thornbury simply didn’t agree to it. 

“Without vehicle access, many elderly people and people with disabilities, alongside families with young children, cannot reach their local high street. 

“We need to take this opportunity to consider whether there is a route back towards allowing vehicles on the High Street in Thornbury.”

Luke Hall MP standing in Thornbury High Street (Image: Luke Hall MP)

"The community has been very unsettled by the experience" says councillor 

SGC Councillor Maggie Tyrell (Lib Dem, Thornbury) said: "Sadly the lack of meaningful consultation by the previous Conservative Council at the start of the High Street project led to a great deal of mistrust and the community has been very unsettled by the whole experience.

"Although we know some would like to reverse the whole process, the last thing the town needs is another three years of argument and roadworks. 

"Councillors recognise the turmoil that’s been caused and the work has been sped up so the disruption ends as soon as possible.

“Cabinet members visited the High Street recently and discussed the project with local business leaders and others who work there. 

"Any review needs to fully engage people in the town and be honest about why any decisions are made.”

Scheme will revitalise the High Street, says council 

A SGC spokesperson said: “Thornbury High Street has not been pedestrianised.

"Traffic can travel through it to access the many businesses there, with drop off/pick up points allowing people to park for a short time and the addition of disabled bays to help less mobile people.

"The car parks that have always served the town centre are operating normally but with wider bays, family parking and more convenient disabled bays.

"There are around 600 free parking spaces close to the High Street.”

“The changes to Thornbury High Street have been shaped by feedback gathered through consultation, engagement and direct communication with businesses, residents, organisations, and other stakeholders, including the Accessibility and Equality working group.

"We worked with individuals and groups to develop and shape the design, making number of changes to improve accessibility and address any concerns raised which are reflected in the final design.

“The intention behind the investment is to revitalise the High Street, recognising that across the UK how people use high streets has changed, and help it overcome the threats facing many local shopping areas as people shop and choose to spend their leisure time differently.

"Our ambition is for a High Street that can respond to future change, and to create a sustainable, welcoming space for the whole community.

"Our teams began construction in March this year, the majority of the work is complete, and we are currently working on laying the paving along the High Street.”

An artist's impression of the new Thornbury High Street (Image: South Gloucestershire Council)