Ashley Fox MP has criticised Somerset Council’s decision to impose a six-month full road closure of Eastover as part of the Celebration Mile improvement works. Ashley labelled the move a serious threat to local businesses saying the closure, “risks further reducing footfall, deterring shoppers from the area and causing even more harm to the traders and economy of Eastover.”
Eastover traders have been grappling with reduced footfall since the works began, a concern some personally raised with Ashley Fox during his earlier visits to the area. While the recent one-way system offered a partial solution, the shift to a full 6-month closure threatens to exacerbate the difficulties faced by these independent businesses.
"I’ve been engaging with many Eastover traders since the works began, and their concerns about footfall have been clear and consistent," said Ashley. "Somerset Council’s decision to enforce a full closure, without prior meaningful consultation, risks devastating these businesses and the local economy."
The Bridgwater MP has written to Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council, urging an immediate pause on the closure until proper consultation with businesses has taken place. Ashley Fox has also reached out to affected traders to gather their feedback and explore how they feel the Council could mitigate the damage. “It’s unacceptable for the Council to make such impactful decisions without listening to the voices of those most affected first," Ashley continued.
He added, "I am calling on them to rethink their approach, prioritise traders’ needs, and work collaboratively on a solution that allow businesses to survive and thrive. Our local businesses are the backbone of Bridgwater’s economy, and it’s vital they are given the respect and support they deserve."
