The go-ahead has been given for a pedestrian refuge at the bottom of Shute Shelve, allowing walkers and cyclists to cross the A38 safely just up from the New Inn. The scheme involves an enclosed area for pedestrians in the middle of the road and street lights in the immediate vicinity (a feature mandated by law). This has meant months of bat surveys and consultations.
Work on the crossing was supposed to start earlier in the spring, but was postponed due to the lockdown, as contractors reorganised to account for safe working while Coronavirus restrictions remain in place.
County Councillor Bob Filmer says, “The pandemic has changed many aspects of working in public spaces and there are too many moving parts to put a date in the diary for work to begin, but we are doing everything we can to ensure that it can start as soon as possible."
District Councillor Graham Godwin-Pearson says, “The pedestrian refuge is an important part of better connecting Cross with Axbridge, but the delay to work beginning is unavoidable. Safety is our biggest concern."
