A LONG-STANDING project to replace automatic rising bollards in Evesham town centre seems to have been thrown a lifeline.
Worcestershire County Council announced in December the scheme was being scrapped due to a £23,000 funding shortfall, even though the bollards had already been bought in 2024.
A letter from the authority’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Councillor Karl Perks, stated at the time it was necessary to review all projects, due to the county’s financial situation.
The letter appeared to blame Wychavon District Council (WDC) for not being willing to contribute enough towards the £45,000 installation costs even though roads and pavements are the responsibility of the county council.
Gill Pawson and Ian Stanton from Evesham Civic Society at the bottom of Bridge Street where rthe bollards should be pictured in 2024. Photo Lise Evans
Wychavon denied it was responsible for the installation but added it was willing to contribute to costs. Ultimately, the two local authorities were unable to come to an agreement.
Automatic rising bollards should operate on Bridge Street and Market Square to protect pedestrianised zones, but they have been out of action for more than three years.
Local concerns have been voiced that shoppers are being put at risk as traffic regulations are consistently flouted, and vehicles, including taxis, use the route as a cut-through to High Street.
An intervention by Wychavon’s executive board seemed to have saved the project from the scrapheap following a meeting on last Wednesday.
Coun Emma Kearsey, WDC deputy leader, said members had requested the deputy chief executive Jayne Pickering add £23,000 to next year’s budget to make up the shortfall.
“Even though Wychavon is not legally responsible for doing this as we are not the highways authority, we are prepared to do so because we know it matters to businesses and residents.
“This is a one-off funding proposal and does not commit Wychavon to any future funding or responsibility for maintaining or operating the bollards.
“This rests with Worcestershire County Council as the highways authority and the funding still needs to be approved by councillors at our budget setting meeting in February.
“It will then be for the county council to decide if it wishes to accept our offer to resolve this long running issue for the benefit of Evesham residents and businesses,” said Coun Kearsey
This still leaves the issue of who will take on financial responsibility for the long term maintenance.
The Observer contacted the county to ask when this means the project will go ahead and got the following response from Coun Perks.
“We’re yet to formally hear from Wychavon regarding their latest position on the funding of the bollards and their future maintenance,” he said.
