Bridgwater Business Owners Raise Concerns Over New One-Way System
Bridgwater Business Owners Raise Concerns Over New One-Way System
A Bridgwater shop owner has criticised a new one-way road system introduced as part of Somerset Council’s Celebration Mile project, saying it is creating congestion and deterring customers.
The changes mean drivers can no longer travel in both directions along East Quay and Salmon Parade, with traffic now diverted via Broadway and the Cross Rifles roundabout.
Mandy, who runs a small business in the Eastover Indoor Shopping Centre, said the new layout had taken many by surprise.
“It’s caused a lot of chaos — residents didn’t realise this was happening,” she said.
“You can drive up Eastover towards the Town Bridge, but you can’t come back down. It’s gridlocked, and people aren’t prepared to sit in traffic anymore. They’re just staying away.”
She said local traders were still recovering from 14 months of previous roadworks and that several businesses had already closed due to reduced footfall.
“We’ve lost a huge amount of trade. Three businesses in our centre have already shut down,” she added.
The Celebration Mile forms part of the £23.2 million Bridgwater Town Deal, funded through government investment. The project aims to create a safer, more welcoming route between the railway station and the docks by prioritising walking and cycling.
In a statement, Somerset Council said the scheme was designed to “improve the visitor and shopping experience in Eastover by decreasing motorised traffic and making the area more pedestrian and cyclist friendly.”
A spokesperson added that the one-way system had been part of the original design and widely publicised during consultation.
“We understand it always takes time for road users to adapt to any changes,” the statement said.
“We are monitoring this carefully and will continue to discuss any issues with community leaders and businesses. We will review and respond to any petition once it has been submitted.”
The council said it remained committed to working with local residents and traders to assess the scheme’s impact as part of ongoing monitoring.