The future of the controversial project to partially pedestrianise Burnham’s High Street could be in doubt following a ‘thumbs down’ from a group of traders and a lukewarm reception from the public.
Over 130 people visited a three-day exhibition held in the town last week where the plans for the partial pedestrianisation of the town’s High Street went on show, as pictured above.
The proposals to permanently block off the High Street between Cross Street to Adam Street were displayed for the first time.
But, as Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported last week, the plans have been given a cool reception by Chamber of Trade members, who fear the scheme will hurt their business.
And there has not been overwhelming support from the public for the scheme either, with opinion divided on whether it should proceed.
Tom Dougall from Sedgemoor District Council told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Tuesday (November 9th): “The display attracted over 130 visitors who shared their views with members of the Civic Pride group. Visitors’ comments and returned questionnaires will help steer the final design of the scheme.”
“Members of the public can view a plan showing the proposed traffic arrangements at the Town Council offices and can lodge an objection to the traffic proposals with Somerset County Council up to 17th November.”
Burnham’s Civic Pride Working Group had hoped a scheme could be introduced by next Easter. Last month, Sedgemoor District Council’s Executive unanimously agreed that over £158,000 of funding could be spent on creating the pedestrian-only zone.
Many of the traders present at last week’s Chamber of Trade meeting said they would prefer a tidy up of street furniture, such as lights and signs, across the whole Town Centre to improve the overall shopping environment as an alternative.
The project is promoted by Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset County Council.
Pictured top is last week’s exhibition in Burnham; and above a previous image showing the proposals and recent surveying work underway; and below are the plans for the current project (click to enlarge)
