Buses will return to Thornbury High Street following a huge campaign by local residents, business owners and MP Luke Hall.

South Gloucestershire Council have U-turned in their decision to stop buses using the High Street after saying they have taken the time to “listen, consider and revisit all of the feedback received to date”

The council say feedback from local people, businesses and other stakeholders “clearly” shows that they wanted to see buses return to help more people access the shops, cafes and leisure facilities at the heart of their community.

The council says, ‘facilitating buses to stop on the High Street will also help alleviate some of the concerns expressed about traffic congestion along Rock Street as a result of changes in the High Street.’

Discussions will continue with bus operators in the coming weeks to determine the routes and stopping points to be included and are continuing in order to brief stakeholders about how the plans are moving forward, including the Council’s commitment to reintroduce the ability for buses to directly run through the High Street again.

The Council recently concluded consultations with residents on the Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) that will be needed to inform the improvements to the high street.

The group has met regularly to discuss matters of accessibility and raise issues and ideas. As a result of this engagement, a significant number of ideas have been put forward that are helping to guide the changes moving forward. These include, enabling buses to access the high street, securing the provision of blue badge parking spaces and a range of other developments, such as ensuring good seating areas, better pavements and enhanced signage.

From the November, 29 Council officers will be holding face to face drop-in sessions in Thornbury library, details of which will be publicised in due course. This will allow us to share our plans and ideas and to hear more ideas from local people about how the detailed design of the scheme evolves.

Cabinet Member for Communities and Local Place Cllr Rachael Hunt said: “We are investing considerable resources to deliver on our shared vision for Thornbury as a welcoming and attractive destination for all and to support the economic prosperity of the town. We have listened to local people who have been calling for bus services through the High Street so I’m delighted that we have been able to facilitate this.

Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall said: “As our local MP, my key priorities have been ensuring the High Street remains as accessible as possible, particularly for those who are less mobile; and that we continue to support our local businesses through what has been a very turbulent time. I am glad the Council has listened to the community around making this important change.

“Reinstating a bus stop was vital for the High Street and I am very pleased that we have now secured a bus stop, back where it belongs. The next job is to continue to speak bus operators, to ensure we get that direct bus route back along the High Street, and I will be working with the council to achieve this as soon as possible.”