A CONTROVERSIAL one-way system in Bridgwater is to be reviewed.

Somerset Council has agreed to take another look at the implementation of a new system in the town – along with parking rules.

It comes after the scheme, part of the government-funded Celebration Mile project, was installed earlier this year – causing a backlash from motorists and businesses who said it was causing delays and affecting trade.

Somerset Council says the plans were inherited from the former Sedgemoor District Council, and were aimed at improving the area for visitors, including the cycling and walking provision.

Despite the council saying the one-way system in Salmon Parade and East Quay was “widely consulted on and completed earlier this year”, members at a Full Council meeting this week voted to launch a review of the changes.

As well as the one-way system, the review will also consider the reinstatement of parking on Salmon Parade, removed as part of the project.

The decision, based on an amended motion proposed by Councillor Leigh Redman, comes after concerns were raised by businesses, residents, the Bridgwater Town Deal Board and local Somerset Council members, as well as petitions submitted by businesses and the public, calling for the one-way system to be reversed.

The scheme, which was delayed and the subject of claims the work was “not good enough”, was branded “an absolute shambles” by opposition councillors, and condemned by large numbers of town traders and motorists.

However, the Lib Dem administration said it had inherited the plans from the Conservtiave-run Sedgemoor District Council, but would look at the changes.

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Lead member for economic development, planning and assets, Councillor Mike Rigby, said: “We have heard the frustration of many Bridgwater residents concerning the Salmon Parade and East Quay elements of the Celebration Mile.

“Normally these sorts of changes take time to bed in, but we accept that local people want us to look again at this, and that is what we have agreed to do.

“If it’s possible to make this better by making changes then we will of course do that, that’s what the review will look at.

“To be clear, it will consider reinstating parking on Salmon parade at the earliest opportunity, as well as reviewing the direction of one-way traffic on both Salmon Parade and East Quay, while prioritising pedestrian safety at the Eastover Town Bridge Junction.

The Celebration Mile, first announced by Sedgemoor District Council, aims to improve conditions in Bridgwater town centre

“It is important to recognise that the core objective of the project was pedestrian safety through the town centre, as well as improving the viability of town centre businesses by improving the shopping and visitor experience.”

Results of the review, which will garner views of businesses and residents, will be reported to the council within four months, including a proposed timetable for any changes.

The Celebration Mile project, creating a pathway through the town between the railway station and the docks, included wider pavements, new street furniture, lighting and planters.

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