A series of changes to parking restrictions across Burnham-On-Sea town centre is being completed this week – with mixed reactions from residents.
Disabled parking spaces along Burnham High Street have been moved into side streets including Adam Street, Cross Street and Abingdon Street in a bid to make more general parking bays available to shoppers in the town centre.
The changes are being introduced as part of a series of improvements planned by the Town Council.
Councillor Michael Clarke told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: “The changes are being put in place to help boost trade in the town centre, freeing up more spaces in the High Steet for shoppers to stop and shop while keeping disabled spaces nearby. We have recieved positive feedback from shoppers.”
However, several traders are unhappy at the changes. The owner of The Inn Plaice fish and chip shop in Cross Street told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “My customers have always been able to park right outside the shop to order their food but now they have to drive elsewhere to park which is taking trade away.”
Disabled motorist Karen Green added: “I think the council has good intentions and I can understand the reasons for the changes, but they’re not great for drivers like me with mobility problems. Most of our parking spaces are now further away from the High Street shops.”
Last year, we reported here that the Town Council had standardised maximum parking times in Burnham town centre in an effort to simplify the rules for shoppers, which were broadly welcomed.
