Residents and businesses in Keynsham are being advised about a temporary closure of the High Street from Monday 13th July, to provide more space for social distancing.
Keynsham High Street | Photo © B&NES Council
The road will be closed to vehicles every day between 9am and 5pm, except for Dial-a-Ride access.
Cyclists will be able to use the road in both directions at all times. The High Street bus stop will be temporarily relocated to Ashton Way.
The road closure, which is being supported by Keynsham Town Council, will come into force on Monday 13th July and remain in place for as long as social distancing is necessary.
The town council voted on Tuesday 23rd June, 12 to one in favour of the road closure with two abstentions, as part of the local decision-making process which enables people to decide what is best for their area of B&NES.
B&NES Council has said that any comments residents may have on the measures should be made to Keynsham town councillors.
The decision has been made under Part 4B Rule 16 of the Council’s Constitution as an urgent decision, as the council needs to put social distancing schemes in place to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The council had put forward potential schemes to aid social distancing in other areas of North East Somerset by temporarily widening pavements in Peasedown St John, Radstock and Midsomer Norton, but it was noted by officers that pavements are not currently busy enough to require the measures.
This could be reviewed should the situation change.
Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services, said “We’re introducing necessary measures across B&NES to make spaces safer and we will keep these under review.
“In some areas of North East Somerset the footfall is low, so we have decided footpath widening isn’t necessary at this time.
“While we know the new measures in Keynsham will cause some inconvenience, we will do all we can to help mitigate this.
“As a community we are all working together to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and people need extra space to be able to safely socially distance.”
Councillor Andy Wait, chair of Keynsham Town Council, said: “After a full and lively debate at the virtual Town Council meeting in which members of the public, B&NES and Town Councillors spoke, the motion from Hal MacFie received support from all parties.
“It was generally agreed that this temporary solution to the issues raised by social distancing was worth a try.
“Since the meeting the general feeling in the town is similar to that of the Town Council”.
