Roundabout safety measures on hold over funding

Cyclists have complained of problems on the cobblestones, especially when they are wet

A lack of funding means a town centre roundabout cannot be made safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Market House roundabout in Taunton, Somerset links the A3027 with Corporation Street and Hammet Street in the town's main shopping area.

The Taunton Area Cycling Campaign (TACC) has called on Somerset Council to make the roundabout safer, citing concern about the "slippery and very uneven surface", demanding "urgent repairs".

The council says it will make small-scale repairs but has no funding available for more ambitious improvements.

TACC members Marian Nieuwenhuizen and Pip Sheard presented a petition attracting more than 400 signatures to the council over the roundabout, known for its distinctive cobbled surface.

They said: "Many cyclists have told us that they find this junction scary, and some people avoid the area with their bikes and tell us they have fallen off their bikes.

"This is due to a slippery and very uneven surface, making it difficult to properly steer a cycle and hand signal. This is especially so when vehicles are in conflict with cyclist's movements.

"Motorcyclists and even drivers have told us that the poor surface is a problem."

'No funding available'

TACC supported Somerset West and Taunton Council in a successful bid to the government's future high streets fund, with £13.9m being awarded in December 2020 to deliver an improved walking and cycling route between Taunton railway station and Vivary Park.

But the authority said the rising costs of materials meant it would not be upgrading Market House, although other elements of the route have been worked on.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, said he was aware of issues with the roundabout but said there was no funding available to carry out anything more than minor repairs.

He explained: "We are aware of the concerns about this junction, and it is unfortunate that the cost increases in delivering the project has meant the future high streets funding could not stretch to this junction.

"We have had to stretch this funding a long way and we have to rely on external funding for significant improvements."

He said any issues should be reported via the council website.