At the Somerset Full Council meeting on 17th July, Councillor Alan Bradford voiced serious concerns about the frequent closures of the M5, which have significantly disrupted local communities.
Councillor Bradford began his remarks by highlighting the extensive disruption caused by the closures. "The inconvenience it’s caused locally and to all the surrounding areas, the damage it does to the country lanes, especially when wet, is totally unacceptable," he stated. He emphasised that many drivers unfamiliar with countryside driving have struggled to navigate the alternative routes, exacerbating the issue.
The financial impact of these closures on businesses and individuals was a key concern for Councillor Bradford. He pointed to the recent incident which resulted in the M5 being closed for 10 hours, which he deemed unreasonable. "In this day and age, surely it can't carry on this way. The frustration and the money it's costing for that road closure are significant," he argued.
Councillor Bradford called for immediate action, suggesting that Somerset Council should leverage its influence to bring relevant authorities to the table. "We need someone down here to ask a few questions because this situation can't continue," he urged. He noted that similar issues were raised in a debate four years ago, but nothing has changed since then.
Responding to Councillor Bradford’s concerns, Councillor Richard Wilkins, Lead Member for Transport and Digital, acknowledged the frustrations and challenges posed by the M5 closures. "The M5 does become a huge problem. It's not directly in our jurisdiction, and when an issue involving the police arises, we are very much in the hands of the police," Councillor Wilkins explained. He assured that conversations would be initiated to address the matter, though he noted the complexities involved.
