Sedgemoor District Council have announced that they have launched a bid for a share of the government’s Levelling Up Fund to improve the village of Cheddar.
Ensuring that the village and the famous Cheddar Gorge maintain their connection is a key priority, as the council look to make the village more attractive for visitors and residents alike. To make sure that the right projects are focused on, the council has also launched a leaflet and a survey so that everyone is kept in the loop with the developments going on.
The leaflet will contain information about proposals to make the village a better destination, including:
- Making the area more attractive to visitors with improved, attractive public spaces
- Better alternatives to travelling by car such as park and ride, cycling routes and pedestrian routes
- Improved pedestrian access within Cheddar Gorge, lowering of traffic speeds and tackling anti-social behaviour
Councillor Gill Slocombe, Sedgemoor District Council portfolio holder for inward investment and growth, said:
“Cheddar is a great place to live, work and visit, but we want it to be the best that it can be. That is why we have been looking at how long and short-term improvements like creating new transport hubs, enhancing public spaces could make visiting and spending time locally easier and more enjoyable.
Making Cheddar more attractive and encouraging visitors would benefit the local economy and support businesses, creating more opportunities for people who live and work in the area.”
The government’s plans to level up the country are focusing on decreasing the levels of deprivation in the United Kingdom, as well as creating better opportunities for local people and economies. Making Cheddar more attractive to the outside world will help to bring more opportunity and investment to the area, whilst also helping to improve the standard of living for residents.
This current phase is the third phase of the governments funding, focusing on heritage and cultural sites, of which Cheddar Gorge would be considered one.
