Flagship cycling route scaled back as construction costs rise

A MAJOR new cycling route through Somerset’s county town has been scaled back as a result of rising construction costs.

Somerset West and Taunton Council secured £13.9 million from the Government’s future high streets fund for regeneration projects at Coal Orchard and Firepool, as well as pedestrian and cycle routes throughout the town.

The council announced in June that construction would soon begin on a £3.5m cycle route linking Taunton railway station and Vivary Park via these regeneration sites.

But a key roundabout in the town centre has been removed from the scheme due to rising costs and the impact of bus service improvements along East Street.

Cllr Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and transportation, told the full council he blamed rising costs for the decision.

The Taunton Area Cycling Campaign (TACC) has criticised the council’s decision.

TACC chair Pip Sheard said: “Local cyclists told us in our 2016 survey that they felt unsafe going round this roundabout. After Station Road, it was top of the Taunton list for spots where they felt most vulnerable. The council were granted funding but now they are backtracking and say they cannot do any improvements to it [the roundabout] for cyclists.

“Neither of the reasons we have been given – the overall cost has increased and a bus priority scheme on East Reach might affect the roundabout – in our view hold water and should prevent the council improving the junction as soon as possible.”