Residents have just two days to have their say on a controversial roads scheme trial.

South Street in Bridport could be closed to traffic from the junction of Gundry Lane to the town hall junction in a trial costing taxpayers up to £50,000.

Bridport Town Council is seeking feedback from residents on town centre traffic issues, particularly on whether people would support a temporary closure and pedestrianisation of South Street for up to three months to fully assess the impact of the closure of the road.

It launched the consultation on August 7, asking for people’s views on the possible closure, as well as more general town centre traffic issues, and it comes to an end on Sunday. (1)

Councillors have earmarked £50,000 for the trial closure which, if it goes ahead, will take place from Easter 2018 – but business owners have criticised the plans, saying cash could be put to better use.

Debbie Bond, of family-run business Peach Electric, says small, independent businesses will suffer should the closure go ahead. 

Ms Bond, who helped form campaign group Keep South Street Open, said: “It’s a very badly thought out idea. We know there is a traffic build-up in the centre of the town but these proposals just move the problems elsewhere. It will create rat runs and make other areas more dangerous.

“A lot of the shops on South Street are little, family businesses that can’t afford to take a hit on trade for three months. We can all see it’s a disaster.”

Former Bridport mayor Carole Murless agrees.

She said: “This has been discussed at length, on more than one occasion, and has been dismissed as unrealistic and unworkable. 

“Lanes are not intended to carry 3,000 cars per day. Skilling, for example, will suffer an increase in traffic. It is an area where roads are already busy and dangerous for local families.

“Having lived in the area for almost 50 years I feel very strongly that I know and experience the problems daily. I can think of many better ways to benefit the town with £50,000.”

It is not the first time the idea to pedestrianise South Street has been put forward. In 2001, the town council undertook a public consultation on the possible closure the road. More than 60 per cent of the residents who responded supported the selective closure of the street on market days. 

A number of traders, mostly from South Street, opposed a closure. 

The results of the latest consultation will be considered by the town council next month and a decision will be made on whether to make a recommendation to Dorset County Council.

Town clerk Bob Gillis said that before a decision is taken, and to give everyone an opportunity to comment, it was agreed that a consultation exercise should be undertaken to seek views on the proposal.

He said: "We would encourage residents to complete the survey so we can fully evaluate the strength of feeling and support, before any further work is undertaken."

A full report on the consultation outcomes will be published later in October.