TOWN leaders in Bridgwater and North Petherton are celebrating after hearing that just under half a million pounds (£461,070) has been awarded from the Hinkley Point C Community Mitigation (CIM) Fund.

The money will go toward projects that will help Bridgwater’s shopping areas and school children, pedestrians and cyclists in North Petherton and Bridgwater.

The total amount of amount of investment is just over £1 million into Bridgwater and its surrounding area.

Now that funding has been secured, plans and tender documents for the works will be drawn up and it is hoped that works will start in spring 2017.

The two projects are designed to help mitigate some of the impacts that are likely to affect the two towns as the Hinkley Point C construction project moves into the next phase of works, including further highway works within Bridgwater.

The Bridgwater Town Centre Support scheme will help to deliver a number of projects over four years.

These projects aim to increase footfall into the town centre, build a stronger shopping offer, deliver new and improved town centre events to bring more people in and connect the town centre to the England Coast Path. There are plans as part of the Celebration Mile, that will see an improved street-scape on the High Street and in Fore Street, including the architectural lighting of the historic town bridge, de-cluttering of street furniture, improved signage and replacement of dying and diseased trees.

The Bridgwater Town Centre Support Project, was submitted to the CIM Fund by Bridgwater Town Council, in collaboration with Sedgemoor District Council and Bridgwater Town Team.

The Southern Bridgwater and North Petherton Community Mitigation Scheme will see new and improved walking and cycling facilities, as well as traffic calming features in southern Bridgwater and North Petherton.

The project, in combination with existing and recently delivered routes, will deliver a complete alternative route for residents of North Petherton and the southern communities of Bridgwater, away from Taunton Road into Bridgwater town centre, to the train station and the college for pedestrians and cyclists.

In achieving this, the project will ensure that the walking and cycling network is viable and offers a real alternative to the A38 for pedestrians, school children, parents, students and commuters to ensure they have a safe and pleasant route away from Taunton Road.

Cllr Leigh Redman said: "The town centre bid came about following the impacts on the town centre felt during the last phase of EDF works, particularly at the Taunton Road/Broadway junction when many traders in the Town Centre suffered significant drops in trade and shoppers went elsewhere.

"The town council pushed for compensation for the traders, but settled on this bid.

"The bid is supported by traders, shoppers, the Town Team, District Council, Bridgwater and Somerset Chambers of Commerce and local Members and Councillors, delivering a range of initiatives including public realm improvements, new and improved events to increase footfall in the town centre, retail business support training and promotion of Bridgwater town centre, this is a massive step to support the traders and community."