Traffic concerns over planned new Tesco Express store

COUNCILLORS are urging highways bosses to look at the possible traffic problems which could be created by the opening of a Tesco Express store on a main road in Yeovil.

The supermarket giant is converting the former Picketty Witch pub in Ilchester Road into one of its convenience stores.

But there are concerns among members of Yeovil Without Parish Council that the new store will cause “considerable traffic congestion” on Ilchester Road.

Council clerk Barbara Appleby said: “Now that construction works are proceeding for the shop, we wish to emphasise again the considerable traffic congestion which will be caused along a major trunk road when the shop is opened.

“We also recommend that measures should be taken to restrict parking on the road and to improve the safety of passing traffic, motorists entering and exiting the shop car park, pedestrians crossing the road at his location by the use of additional yellow line markings and additional central refuges.

“We hope that Somerset County Council’s highways department at County Hall will give consideration to this matter.”

The council has written to the county council’s chief executive, Sheila Wheeler, hoping she will get highways officers to look at the situation.

Tesco have not had to get planning permission from South Somerset District Council for a change of use of the premises from pub to shop, but the company has had to get council backing to make alterations to the building.

The latest approval from SSDC has been for Tesco to install a cash-point machine at the planned new store.

Members of Yeovil Town Council’s buildings and civic matters committee will discuss the situation at their meeting on Tuesday (July 16).

Tags:
News.