Roadworks end party delayed - as work not finished

Eastover in Bridgwater has been closed for months

A street party marking the end of year-long construction to improve a Somerset road has been delayed - because the work has not yet been completed.

Celebration Mile will create a pedestrian route linking the Bridgwater's train station to the docks, providing "cleaner" access to community facilities, retail and parks, the council says, with work focussing on Eastover.

Neighbouring streets East Quay and Salmon Parade have also been removed from the works, saving the Bridgwater Town Project around £300,000.

Businesses on Eastover say they are struggling with the 13-month long roadworks on their doorstep, claiming they are using personal funds to keep doors open.

Dorothy Davis, who runs the Eastover Indoor Market and operates a fancy dress shop, said her footfall has plummeted due to the roadworks outside her building, adding three traders have left in the last year.

"Things just went from bad to worse," she said.

"We're really struggling now.

"We have such a lot to do in the market, things that need doing... we've nothing coming in you know it's really hard."

Her friend and fellow trader Mandy Maskell added she felt she had not been supported by Somerset Council during the works, adding: "Right from the start we've had to fight for communication".

Ms Maskell also said she was "sceptical" the work would improve the street.

Mandy Maskell and Dorothy Davis have been frustrated at the works

Responding to Ms Maskell, councillor Mike Rigby, the Somerset Council lead member for regeneration, said: "I think the communication hasn't been good enough.

"It's one of the things as part of a wash-up session with the contractor we're going to try and get to the bottom of because I think she's got a point I don't think communication has been good enough all the way through this project."

Mr Rigby also said he had been "disappointed" with the progress of the works, adding the street party was cancelled because the works have not been finished on time, despite previous assurances.

Taylor Woodrow, the contractor, has been invited to give their response.