A consultation on controversial plans to permanently strengthen security measures in the centre of Bath, which includes the closure of some of the city’s busiest streets, has been extended.
Cheap Street in Bath | Photo © ColinPeachey / Shutterstock.com
The consultation was launched in November and has so far received more than 200 responses.
Bath & North East Somerset Council, which has responsibility for keeping the city’s streets safe, has been working with Avon & Somerset Police since 2016 to improve security by installing various temporary measures around Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and Pump Room, as well as the retail core of the centre.
The local authority says it has been working closely with the police on plans to further strengthen city centre access restrictions and install new purpose-designed street furniture which will provide permanent enhanced safety for people in areas of high footfall.
The council and police have developed a proposal that seeks to provide proportionate improved security while continuing to allow the city’s businesses and service providers some vehicle access.
The proposed scheme includes:
- Vehicle access restrictions 24 hours every day of the year within the city centre’s most crowded streets.
- Strengthened secure vehicle access points controlled by the Council’s CCTV control room
- New purpose-designed reinforced static and sliding protective bollards and furniture.
The plans would see permanent static bollards installed on streets such as Burton Street and Old Bond Street, Barton Street, Westgate Buildings, Beau Street and Southgate Street.
Sliding bollards could be introduced on York Street, Cheap Street, Upper Borough Walls, Lower Borough Walls and Hot Bath Street.
On-street disabled spaces in the city centre would be removed, and delivery services including food, parcels and other goods will not have access to properties within the strengthened zone.
Those who need large goods delivered would need to apply for a ‘one-time-use’ access permit, which requires a 20-day notice period.
Councillor Joanna Wright, Cabinet Member for Transport Services said: “I want to thank everyone who has already taken part in the consultation.
“We have had more than 200 responses so far. However the latest lockdown has had an impact on many businesses and so we have decided to extend the consultation for a few more weeks to give people plenty of time to have their say.
“We also appreciate how important vehicle access within the city is for our businesses, residents and particularly for people with restricted mobility.
“We have recently appointed a specialist to work with local accessibility groups and other key local stakeholders to look at issues and recommend mitigation measures before the plans are finalised.
“It is important we ensure as many people as possible give their views on these proposals, before we begin considering all the responses.’”
You can view the details of the proposed city centre security improvements and provide feedback online until 31st January at www.bathnes.gov.uk/citycentresecurityconsultation.
Feedback will then be used to inform refinements to the draft proposals, before the council formally advertises the traffic regulation orders, which would enable the access restrictions to be enforced.
Information about this consultation is available on request in other languages, audio, Braille, large print or other formats.
For those without internet access, paper copies of the summary and survey can be made available. To request another format, email [email protected] or by calling Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41.
