News & Events

Axbridge Streets and Parking Options Appraisal

A public meeting took place on 18th June 2008, where 38 Axbridge residents met to hear the recommendations of the ‘Axbridge Streets and Parking Options Appraisal’.

The study was carried out by Mike Haire of Haire Landscape Consultants for Axbridge Action Group.

Background

Extract from ‘Axbridge Streets and Parking Plan – Axbridge Action Group’

‘Out of The Axbridge Parish Plan questionnaire and other consultation processes conducted in 2005 the areas of concern which engendered the greatest response were to do with traffic, parking and pedestrian access issues.   For example, 65% (160 households) of questionnaire respondents said that they were concerned about their safety from traffic as a pedestrian and 84% said that speeding traffic was one of the issues of greatest concern with regard to community safety. Repeatedly throughout the questionnaire traffic and pedestrian access were expressed as significant concerns and needing attention. 40% (nearly 100 households) said that more traffic calming measures should be introduced.   In addition, parking was seen as a significant or major problem in Axbridge by 70% of respondents. People particularly feel (over 100 households) that parking in The Square and in West Street/High Street are problem areas.'

The Axbridge Action Group took these issues forward.

The committee members of Axbridge Action Group prepared the Brief, interviewed consultants, attended two meetings with the consultant and assisted with the parking survey.   They also arranged and facilitated the public meeting on June 18th.

Mike Haire was selected to carry out the Brief from a number of consultants who were interviewed. The Group had prepared the Brief after discussion with Mendip District Council and Somerset County Council officers.

Community Ventures were approached at an early stage for support to the group during this process. Forum staff were involved in discussions of the way forward and Community Ventures provided the funding for the consultant to work with Axbridge Action Group.

Draft Recommendations

  • Priority at a key junction reversed, to encourage traffic to pass a carpark and enter the square by a different route.
  • Pedestrian link to the Square improved
  • Creation of a modest off street carpark at the Western end of Holegate street.
  • Traffic calming measures
  • Parking space in the Square moved to the centre of the Square. Reduction in parking spaces from 26 to 22.
  • Create a pedestrian space in the Square at the front of the Hunting Lodge and local shop.

Discussion

Discussion at the meeting covered the problems created for residents of the street to which traffic was redirected.  In particular problems that could arise at the junction were highlighted.

There was considerable feeling that a long term solution would be the creation of a route into town and a carpark off the by pass.  This could only be done if speed levels on the by pass were reduced and an option was for residents to campaign for this.

There was  support for improving the Square and residents seemed supportive of the pedestrian area proposal.  In his conclusions Mike Haire gave the opinion that if recommendations could be found that would allow the Square to achieve its potential, this would make a great difference to the town.

Next Steps

Mike Haire will incorporate the discussion at the meeting into the final report.

To take the proposals in the report forward would require further funds for design, consultation and audit.  The group are collecting information on funding sources for this.

The changes in parking would require changes to services and drainage.

Contact with SCC Highways

The consultant had a face to face meeting with Chris Betty (SCC Highways). He has also put them in touch with Roger Hagley and Ian Gill.

There are budgets for public transport and cycling infrastructure improvements and this may be one area where they could develop proposed solutions.

They offered to test traffic calming measures (temporary change in layout so effect could be monitored)

 

Created on July 1st 2008

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