Major active travel boost 'will be finished by the Autumn'
Work is underway to try and get more people walking and cycling across Yeovil
More than £1 million is being spent to get people walking and cycling across Yeovil.
It's part of the town's ongoing 'refresh' programme with areas around Hendford South Western Terrace, Central Road and Middle Street all seeing so-called 'active travel' changes
Somerset Council says SWH (Taylor Woodrow) Ltd will be contractors for the delivery of Yeovil’s Active Travel schemes - whichit says are 'integral to the town’s programme of regeneration - the Yeovil Refresh - and improving the town’s transport network'.
Cllr Richard Wilkins, Lead Member for Transport, said: “This is an exciting next phase in the regeneration of Yeovil. By improving the road network, extending cycle and walkways and introducing new wayfinding systems, our aim is to open up access to green spaces – ultimately creating a sustainable and fit for purpose 21st century town.
"Focussing on Yeovil’s central streets, the schemes aim to deliver improved accessibility and connectivity for all users – whether by road, bike or on foot - across Yeovil Town Centre. Complementing the public realm improvements in these core streets, work will focus on improving connectivity through and around the town centre, making walking, cycling and wheeling into the town centre much easier, improving safety for all as they travel into the centre of town.
"This will see the delivery of new infrastructure and enhancements to the active travel network in the areas of Hendford, South Western Terrace, Central Road and Middle Street. These schemes will extend the links from existing routes which run along the southern edge of the town centre. The scheme is funded from external grants specific to the town centre and representing an investment of £1.2m."
"Key to the design has been the prevention of loss or damage to trees along the southern part of scheme, in addition to the retainment of a London Plane located at the junction of Hendford Grove and Hendford.”
Work started in May and is due to complete in October/November.