Introduction
An historic and symbolic area of Yeovil, improvement work here has focussed on opening up the space, decluttering and improving access.
Key changes
Five key changes to the area:
- Enhanced and decluttered setting of the clock tower – The ‘Millennium Clock’ is recognised as a key feature in the town centre and works here have focussed on enhancing and decluttering the area which has included the removal of benches and wate bins from around the base of the tower. The left turn from Hendford into Westminster Street has also been removed, minimising risk to pedestrians.
- Traffic and parking changes – We have restricted traffic in this area to buses, taxis and loading only resulting in reducing the levels of traffic. Parking is now for unloading only
- Widening footpaths – We have widened footpaths to provide additional pedestrian space in the High Street and improved the area with natural stone paving to match that used in Westminster Street to create a joined up town centre flow
- Improved street lighting and bench seating – Improved street lighting in this public realm area will help to reduce anti-social behaviour by ensuring it is well lit. New bench seating allows town centre users to also take a break during shopping and enjoy the atmosphere or the town centre
- New street planting – Feedback during consultation on the public realm told us that more greenery in the town centre would be a positive change. As such, new street trees and permanent planting have been introduced into this area. This has helped to brighten up the area while taking an environmental approach to support land drainage, wildlife habitat and cleaner air