Luke Hall has rejected South Gloucestershire Council’s newly published plans for the future of Thornbury High Street. The MP is calling on the Council to change course and address the lack the of Blue Badge parking, which will leave many disabled residents and those with reduced mobility being completely unable to access the High Street at all.
This comes after the Council used an emergency order to close the High Street to traffic in June to help comply with social distancing. This meant that the High Street has been closed between The Close and Castle Court ever since, with traffic diverted via Midland Lane, Rock Street, Quaker Lane and on to The Plain.
Luke has welcomed that South Gloucestershire Council have listened to the clear voice of Thornbury and prevented a full pedestrianisation of the High Street, having made clear to Council that many residents felt a fair and reasonable compromise between the varying points of view would be returning the High Street to a one-way system, which would help businesses recover from the pandemic whilst supporting a long-term future for the High Street.
Luke has now launched a petition to address the outstanding flaws in the plans, including the crucial lack of Blue Badge Parking. The MP is also will continuing to press for Soapers Lane to be opened as a through route, and for the right level of enforcement on the High Street so everybody can all access and feel safe on the High Street.
Luke Hall MP said; “We cannot accept these plans as they are. Many disabled residents and those with reduced mobility will be faced with being completely unable to access the High Street at all. It’s welcome that South Gloucestershire Council have listened to the clear voice of Thornbury and prevented a full pedestrianisation of the High Street, but they must change course and ensure our beautiful High Street is accessible for every resident in our community.”
