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Motion A –
Salmon Parade and East Quay Bridgwater
 
Councillor Leigh Redman proposed the
recommendations which were seconded by Councillor Hilary Bruce.
 
Council had heard the frustration of many
Bridgwater residents concerning the Salmon Parade and East Quay
elements of the Celebration Mile Project.
 
Having been duly proposed and seconded, the
Council Resolved to:
Agree to review this element of the project,
recognising the core objective being pedestrian safety throughout
the town centre and supporting the viability of town centre
businesses by improving residents experience of town centre
shopping.

After listening to local members and the Bridgwater Town Deal
Board, Council agreed to a review that considered:

·      
Reinstating parking on Salmon Parade at the earliest
opportunity.

·      
Reviewing the direction of one-way traffic on both Salmon Parade
and East Quay.

·      
Whilst prioritising pedestrian safety at the Eastover Town Bridge
junction.
 
Outcomes of this review would be based on
evidence and engagement with stakeholders, and to return to Council
within 4 months with a report and a timetable
for implementation.
 
Motion B –
Supporting Somerset’s Town Centres and High Streets
 
Councillor Lucy Trmnell proposed the
recommendations which were seconded by Councillor Connor Payne.
 
Having been duly proposed and seconded, the
Council Resolved to
Recognise:
1)   
That Somerset’s town centres were vital community hubs where
residents accessed shops, services, culture, hospitality and public
facilities.
2)   
That vibrant town centres were essential for the
economic health, social wellbeing and identity of our
communities.
3)   
That hospitality and retail businesses played a
central role in shaping the life of our high streets, attracting
footfall, creating jobs and supporting the wider local
economy.
4)   
That government policy, such as the Employers
National Insurance rise and increases in business rates payable,
had negatively impacted local businesses.
Believe:
5)   
That its decisions should support the long-term
viability of our town centres, help attract footfall and create the
conditions for independent businesses and local employers to
succeed.
6)   
That hospitality and retail sector businesses were
vital for thriving town centres and that they benefited from stable
costs, predictable trading conditions and good access for
customers.
7)   
That government should do more to support our town
centres and high streets, such as scrapping business rates for
hospitality and retail sector businesses, without impacting the
income to the authority.
Council therefore resolved
to:
8)   
Consider the long-term viability of our town centres
when making decisions that impact them, including any changes to
parking provision. 
9)   
Write to the Chancellor requesting a review of
business rates for hospitality and retail sector
business.
10)Demonstrate
through the papers and strategies that we produced that we saw our
high streets, and therefore retail, as being essential to the local
economy and the people who lived here.
11)Work with the
police to tackle antisocial behaviour in our town centres by
ensuring that PSPOs and other council implemented actions were
introduced, where necessary, in a timely manner and kept up to
date.