Businesses concerned about months of roadworks

The first phase of the 14 month project will see part of Eastover in Bridgwater closed until November

Businesses in Bridgwater have spoken of their concern as months of roadworks have started to create a new pedestrian and cycle route.

The £9m project to create the Celebration Mile in Bridgwater started with the closure of part of Eastover, with the road remaining closed until November.

The final phase should be completed toward the end of 2025 - completing the route from the railway station to the Northgate Docks.

Business owners have said they are worried about the impact the roadworks will have on trade while Somerset Council said the result will have massive benefits for the town in the long-run.

Dot Davis is concerned the work may effect business at Eastover Indoor Shopping Centre

Dot Davis runs the Eastover Indoor Shopping Centre.

She thinks the roadworks will "interfere with the business", especially when it comes to logistical things like deliveries.

But she thinks the area needs more investment - particularly the Eastover part of Bridgwater.

She said: "What they need to do is concentrate on Eastover.

"Alright, they're going to put the cycle path in but I think they need to concentrate on doing something else down here."

Adrian Fraser worries customers may be put off coming into town

Others have said they are worried about how long the project will take to complete, and the impact on the town centre as each phase is carried out.

In the centre of the town is Cornhill Records, owned by Adrian Fraser.

He said he was worried people will avoid the town all together.

"I know you can't do these things without having roadworks, I realise that, but I've read that it's 14 months of roadworks and that's a long time," he said.

Mr Fraser does not sell any of his products online and is "completely dependent on passing trade".

He added: "The thing that worries me is people are going to be put off coming into town and we've already lost enough trade to the retail park and it worries me we're going to lose more."

Mario Gogolin is remaining positive about the long term impact of the roadworks

But some businesses, whilst not relishing having to deal with the roadworks, are more optimistic about the regeneration project.

Mario Gogolin owns Cafe Margeritka on Eastover with his wife.

He said they are "concerned a little" about the work because it may cause problems for some customers but thinks it could pay off eventually.

He said: "I think in the long term it will make it a nice area, so it will bring more customers."

He added they just had to be "patient" with the roadworks and hope they will go "quick and smooth".

Somerset Council’s lead member for economic development, planning and assets and Bridgwater Town Deal board member, Ros Wyke, said: "It’s really exciting to move into the main construction phase for Celebration Mile.

"We appreciate this may be disruptive at peak times for some road users – we would urge people to try and plan ahead and bear in mind this route will be closed.

"But the net result of this work will be a fantastic landmark walking, cycling and wheeling route from the station to the docks which we believe will have massive benefits for Bridgwater in the long-run, in terms of economic growth and encouraging more visitors to the town."