Bath road closure for City Centre Security scheme

Bath residents, businesses and Blue Badge holders are being advised about the full closure of Cheap Street as part of the city centre security improvement works.

Stakeholders are also being invited to a webinar on 11 August to discuss the Cheap Street works and access arrangements with the council’s project team and contractor.

Because utilities at the entrance to Cheap Street are being diverted contractors need a full road closure with no access for any vehicles at any time.

It is anticipated the closure will start later in the summer and run through into the winter, dates for the closure are yet to be confirmed.

Blue Badge holders will still be able to access and park in Cheap Street, Westgate Street and Upper Borough Walls but will need to enter via Westgate Buildings and exit via Upper Borough Walls.

When the works start the diversions will be clearly signposted, and marshals will be available to do their usual security checks and help people at Westgate Buildings.

Pedestrian access will be maintained for people who are walking or wheeling and the works in footways will be subject to pedestrian controls (like temporary walkways) to facilitate works and to keep people safe. The construction works will not prevent traders, or their customers, from accessing their premises.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport, said: “We are holding a webinar so residents, business owners and Blue Badge holders who will be affected by the temporary closure, can speak to the project team. We will do all we can to minimise disruption and to make sure people are aware businesses are open as usual during this phase of the works.”

Due to the unique nature of the city and highway construction, there are a number of challenges within the programme. These include working above existing vaults and cellars, working in close proximity to utility apparatus and maintaining access to the restricted streets for exempt vehicles.

The council has carried out investigative works but until contractors get on site the construction timeline is estimated and completion dates can’t be guaranteed.  Any residents or businesses wishing to receive regular e:newsletters on the scheme can visit the council's project webpage.

 In February 2020, the Avon & Somerset Police Chief Constable asked the council to consider an ATTRO covering the wider city centre of Bath which would be used in the event of a heightened threat, specific intelligence, as a result of an incident or if there are events taking place that create crowded places.

Following consultation with Counter Terrorism security advisors and the council, which centred around the crowded places indicated within the National Counter Terrorism Security Office report, it was considered proportionate to introduce permanent restrictions covering a smaller area in the city centre resulting in the current measures, which the Chief Constable supported.

The council has continued to work alongside the Counter Terrorism advisors to protect these areas, through both physical measures and training for front line staff, both from public and private sector.

Further information can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/citycentresecurityworks. To register for the webinar, visit
https://bathnes.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RCpI0FsqQa-8jbejdhJW9g