Businesses in Bridgwater demand funds due to Celebration Mile roadworks and other project-related losses.
Councillor Rodrigues spoke at a council meeting. He asked about helping struggling businesses. He mentioned rising cafe fees and parking costs. These issues add to roadwork problems.
The council said improvements help in the long run. They mentioned business rate relief as aid. Councillor Rigby quoted Rodrigues from last year. Rodrigues then supported the Celebration Mile. Rigby noted Rodrigues’s optimism about the project.
He quoted Rodrigues’s belief in better business. No law forces compensation for roadwork disruptions. Businesses can sue for property damage. Rigby said the Celebration Mile improves the town.
It aims to boost trade long-term. The council tries to limit disruptions. They engage with businesses often. They’re considering rate relief and waiving fees.
Completed work gains marketing support too. Clare Street roadworks started recently. They should end by summer. Rigby said they minimize disruption as much as possible.
Various groups do needed work in Bridgwater. They worked to combine work schedules. This aimed to reduce the total impact. The council pushed for better traffic plans. They even requested 24-hour work.
These efforts aimed to speed up projects. The goal involves improving Bridgwater’s economy. Rigby repeated the legal rule. They can’t compensate roadwork-affected businesses. Governments believe businesses risk traffic flow loss. It’s viewed as a normal business risk.