Councillor requests support for businesses struggling due to Bridgwater’s Celebration Mile roadworks amid disruptions.
A local councillor, Diogo Rodrigues, spoke up. He asked if businesses could get money because they are losing trade due to the road work. The meeting happened in Taunton.
Rodrigues thinks businesses struggle in Bridgwater. He says fees for cafes may double soon and parking costs also might soon rise. He then asked about support for hurting businesses.
Mike Rigby, a council member, answered Rodrigues. Rigby quoted Rodrigues from February 2023, when Rodrigues had supported the Celebration Mile back then. Rigby quoted Rodrigues saying work will make the area better. Rigby agreed with Rodrigues’ earlier statement.
The government isn’t legally required to pay businesses. They can sue if roads damage their buildings.
Rigby said the Celebration Mile is a key project. It aims to make the town center nicer and should support trade inthe long run.
The council tries to reduce problems during work and engage with business groups. They are considering rate relief and waiving some fees. Marketing will help after work finishes.
The Celebration Mile work focuses on Clare Street now, starting on February 17th. The council expects it to end by summer this year. Salmon Parade work is delayed.
Rigby claimed they reduced disruption as much as possible. Many companies are doing roadwork at the same time, including utility companies and developers. He stated investment aims to improve Bridgwater’s economy. Therefore, businesses should benefit.
Rigby ended by restating the legal position and stated that governments uphold this principle. He confirmed they cannot compensate businesses now. The government view is businesses assume some risks, so they have no automatic right to trade.