Residents and shopkeepers turned out in force to vent their anger and frustration at council leaders over the “destruction” of Thornbury High Street. Campaigners said some businesses had lost up to 30 per cent of trade because of the controversial changes to the road access as they once more called on South Gloucestershire Council to reconsider ploughing ahead with the scheme.
John Riddiford, who owns L E Riddiford grocery shop, told a full council meeting on Wednesday evening (May 18) that many former customers had been put off from making the trip to his high street store because they could not park near enough. He said: “People struggle to get to our shop now. People just don’t come shopping to Thornbury from outside now because it’s more hassle than it’s worth to try to get through all the traffic.”
He said the pollution and noise that the new one-way system had created meant older residents in nearby sheltered accommodation could no longer open their windows. Mr Riddiford said: “At least twice a day there is one great big traffic jam all the way through the town, certainly on the school run and at other times – just one snaking, slow convoy of traffic right the way through the town.”
Read more: Town to vote on controversial changes to High Street due to start this summer
He said many people came into the shop daily complaining that the “life and soul and the whole heart of the community of the High Street have been ripped out”. Mr Riddiford, who is also watch manager at the town’s on-call fire station, said: “Our crews need to get to the station to get those appliances out once the pager you wear on your belt goes off to get to those people who need us.”
Addressing council leader Cllr Toby Savage at the Kingswood civic centre meeting, resident John Reynolds said: “The interim scheme for Thornbury, which already contains all the essential physical features of your final vision, has only succeeded in reducing turnover of many High Street businesses by 15 to 30 per cent, creating traffic congestion and reducing air quality. I hope that you now understand that the whole idea of having a scheme for our High Street foisted upon us by cabinet members who do not live in and do not represent Thornbury undermines the very process of democracy and is divisive in the extreme.”
Mr Reynolds said he had called for a parish poll which the town council would hold on May 26. He said: “I hope that you will take note of the result. If it shows, as expected, a resounding majority for returning Thornbury High Street to its original state, will you respond by recognising the will of the people, regardless of saving face?
“Will you withdraw your scheme and all its physical manifestations in our High Street? Will you restore the street to its original layout?” Another resident, Malcolm Best, told councillors: “I’m sure the majority here believe they operate, contribute and participate in a democratic institution.
“Having lifted the lid and looked below the surface, it seems to more resemble a fiefdom controlled by a cabal that describes itself as a cabinet but has scant regard for honest consultation and the democratic process.” Thornbury Town and District Residents Association chairman Ashley Smith described the changes – introduced initially during the pandemic to encourage social distancing and set to be made permanent following more consultation – as “the destruction of Thornbury”.
He said he asked locals’ opinions on Facebook and the most common response was asking why Cllr Savage did not quit. Mr Smith said others branded the scheme a “mess” and a “fiasco” and had asked of the authority: “Why do you hate Thornbury residents so much?”
Association secretary Rob Galpin said: “The council’s decision to close Thornbury High Street and for diversion of through traffic at the start of the pandemic has been, is and will continue to be a complete disaster from every angle. We are astonished that the council has gone ahead and submitted the full business case for funding to the West of England Combined Authority even though they have been made aware of the fundamental flaws.”
Councillors did not respond directly to the comments during public forum, but a spokesperson for the local authority said earlier this week that it welcomed public feedback on the plans and continued to work closely with people who lived and worked in the town to develop a “sustainable high street that is fit for the future and welcoming for all”. They said the changes, which include banning through traffic and having a one-way system for delivery drivers and residents, were “intended to benefit anyone shopping, walking, cycling or enjoying outdoor seating with less traffic, making it a more pleasant place to be”.
