Green light for one-way street plan

PLANS are pressing ahead to turn a town centre road into a one-way street this summer.

North Somerset Council has decided to go ahead with the proposals for Palmer Street in Weston.

The authority says it has had ‘positive responses’ from residents and businesses during a recent consultation over the suggestion.

A total of 36 responses were received both by post and via the internet, and of those 64 per cent were in favour of the proposals.

The idea was originally put forward by town centre businessman Nigel Cullum to council executive member for transport, Elfan Ap Rees, who supported the idea and sent it out for consultation.

Cllr Ap Rees says as well as resolving the congestion issues it would allow the council to increase the number of parking spaces in the area.

He says it would also allow the authority to replace most of the double yellow lines with parking bays, significantly reducing illegal parking problems.

The proposals will now be advertised in June and there will be a three-week period in which formal comments can be made. Subject to any objections received, the proposal is likely to be implemented in September.

Mr Cullum, who owns Weston Furniture Warehouse, asked the authority to turn Palmer Street into a one-way street to help ease congestion and allow more people to visit the town centre.

The scheme could cost as little as £5,000 to implement.

Mr Cullum said: “I’m sure it will also help the police concentrate their efforts on things other than parking.”

The remaining part of Palmer Street, which is already one-way, will not change.