Clevedon Removes Its Wiggly Lines Road After Residents Complain

Clevedon is fixing its seafront road. They are removing wavy lines that people called a “yellow brick road.” The council changed The Beach in 2022, adding a cycle lane and “bizarre” road markings. Locals complained about the changes.

The council will spend £425,000 to undo it, with work started on February 17th that may last thirteen weeks. Hannah Young, a local councilor, said work is underway now and that they listened to residents and businesses, keeping their promises.

The work includes sea-facing parking, removing the cycle path and the wavy lines. The roundabout will be normal again, and pedestrian crossings will improve. Some roads will close temporarily, but businesses and residents can still access them. Bus routes X6 and X7 will divert.

Michael Pryke, another councilor, feels they should restore it fully, even though businesses face thirteen weeks of disruption. Cathy Hawkins, who leads a local campaign, said locals warned against the changes, which she says made the town a joke.

She welcomes the return of parking, but notes it is less parking than before. The road is still one way, which she believes causes traffic issues. She adds that this work again strains local businesses and the Easter holidays will see reduced footfall, claiming residents deserve better.

The first changes cost over £1 million, and now the council faces another £425,000. Hannah Young says they face financial challenges with increasing costs for their services. Different funds will cover these changes.

The council will use money from other projects, developer money, local transport funds, and council reserves.