People are being warned about the upcoming closures of Cheap Street and part of Hot Bath Street in the city centre as part of ongoing security improvement works.
An artist’s impression of the entrance to Cheap Street | Image courtesy of B&NES Council
The closures will come into effect on 29th May and works are expected to be complete by the end of the year.
While the closures are in effect, Blue Badge holders and other exempt vehicles will still have access to Westgate Street and Upper Borough Walls, however, they will need to enter via Westgate Buildings and exit via Upper Borough Walls.
To discuss the works and access arrangements, residents and businesses have been invited to a drop-in session on 18th May, where they can engage with the council’s project team and contractor.
Additionally, Blue Badge holders can participate in an information session webinar on the same day.
During the works, diversions will be clearly signposted, and marshals will be available to conduct security checks and assist people at Westgate Buildings between 10am and 6pm.
Deliveries will still be possible for both streets before 10am and after 6pm via Westgate Buildings and Lower Borough Walls, with traffic marshals present to provide assistance.
Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works, and necessary measures such as temporary walkways will be implemented to ensure pedestrian safety. The construction activities will not hinder traders or their customers from accessing their premises.
Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We are holding meetings with residents, business owners and Blue Badge holders who will be affected by the temporary closures, so they can speak to the project team.
“We will do all we can to minimise disruption and to make sure people are aware businesses are open as usual during this phase of the works.”
The project faces various challenges due to the unique characteristics of the city and the presence of existing infrastructure, such as working above vaults and cellars and closely collaborating with utility companies.
The council has conducted preliminary investigations, but the precise timeline and completion dates will be determined once contractors are on-site.
To register for the Blue Badge Holder information session webinar, participants can visit the webpage here.
In February 2020, Avon & Somerset Police Chief Constable asked Bath & North East Somerset Council to consider an Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) covering the wider city centre.
This measure would be implemented in response to a heightened threat, specific intelligence, incidents, or crowded events.
Following consultations with Counter Terrorism security advisors, the council decided to introduce permanent restrictions in a smaller area of the city centre, based on the locations identified in the National Counter Terrorism Security Office report. The Chief Constable supported these measures.
The local authority continues to work closely with Counter Terrorism advisors to implement physical measures and provide training for frontline staff in both the public and private sectors to ensure the safety of these areas.
Vehicles are also subject to restrictions between 10am and 10pm in York Street following the completion of the initial phase of improvement works.
