Impact of COVID-19 on town centres and we want your views!
Released On 23rd Nov 2020
The impact of Covid-19 on town centres in South Somerset and in our daily lives has been huge. In response to Government Guidance, temporary road closures were installed under emergency powers to enable active travel and social distancing in Yeovil town centre.
The High Street/Borough/Silver Street and the top of Middle Street have been closed to traffic (except for some delivery vehicles) to provide adequate space for social distancing in the busiest part of the town centre. South Somerset District Council, in partnership with Somerset County Council, are now launching a survey to get your views on these measures to further assess how effective these measures have been.
This was one of a number of schemes initially funded by the Government as part of the Active Travel initiative. Somerset’s Active Travel group oversees schemes in the county and represents the five local authorities in Somerset, Avon and Somerset Police, and Somerset Public Health and Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP). They are also working to keep town centres safe and understand the impacts of the temporary closures in Somerset’s town centres and are listening to the views of the public, the wider community and businesses.
As these measures have been in place for a number of weeks, SSDC are launching a survey specific to Yeovil to get your views on the temporary closures. With the country in another lockdown period it would be a good time to reflect on how these measures have worked for you. Therefore it would be appreciated it if you could take a little time to complete this survey.
Councillor Val Keitch, Leader of South Somerset District Council, said: “Covid-19 has impacted us all, including those businesses in the town centres across South Somerset. Across Somerset, we have had to implement schemes in large public areas whereby we can minimise public contact and introduce social distancing measures which is what the Active Travel initiative has aimed to do. We are keen to hear your thoughts on the scheme and ask you to carefully consider and feedback to us on the scheme in Yeovil town centre.”
You can view a map to find out more about the scheme and continue to feedback on what’s working well and any improvements you think can be made by visiting Somerset Covid Active Travel.
For general information and updates on travel in Somerset visit www.travelsomerset.co.uk
