Roadwork Disruption Spurs Calls For Business Support in Bridgwater

A councillor wants Somerset Council to pay businesses. Roadworks hurt their trade recently. Bridgwater has many road projects right now. This includes the Celebration Mile and Dunball roundabout. There’s also work on the A39 near the ‘gigafactory’.

Councillor Rodrigues asked about financial help at a council meeting in Taunton. He wanted aid for businesses losing money because the roadworks are affecting their income.

Somerset Council offers other business support, mentioning rate relief as a possible option. They believe the improvements will boost Bridgwater. The Council said they have offered temporary business rate relief.

Rodrigues mentioned rising costs for businesses, including licensing fees and parking charges. He wondered what support the council will give, noting businesses face reduced footfall due to roadworks.

Councillor Rigby quoted Rodrigues from February 2023, when Rodrigues supported the Celebration Mile. He said businesses had concerns about short-term effects but believed the finished project would attract businesses.

Businesses can’t legally demand compensation for roadwork impact, though they can sue if damages occur to their property. Rigby stated that a council cannot be legally bound to provide funds.

Rigby said the Celebration Mile is a key project that Bridgwater approved to improve the town. The goal is to increase the area’s attractiveness to trade in the long term.

To reduce disruption, the council consults with businesses before and during the work. Temporary rate relief and waived pavement licenses may be options, and marketing support will occur after project completion.

The Celebration Mile’s Clare Street section started recently, and the council expects to complete it by summer. Salmon Parade work will wait for the new academy.

Rigby said they tried to minimize disruption. Utility and building companies, plus the council, do work, and the council also tried to schedule work efficiently.

The council challenged contractors for better traffic plans. They even insisted on 24-hour work to shorten projects; the A39 work is an example of this.

Eastover in Bridgwater will be closed until summer 2025. Rigby mentioned that the investments are vital to regenerate Bridgwater and enhance its economy.

Rigby reiterated the legal position, saying governments have upheld this view. Businesses can’t expect compensation for road construction and must accept potential loss of traffic.