Sir Ashley Fox MP has renewed his call for Somerset Council to fund improvements to the Cross Rifles Roundabout, after the Roads Minister confirmed that new transport funding could be used for the scheme.
In correspondence to Ashley Fox, Roads Minister Simon Lightwood stated, “Somerset Council will be receiving £265.8m in the Integrated Transport Fund between 2026/27 and 2029/30. This funding will provide local leaders with more flexibility to support local transport priorities. This could provide an opportunity to support further local improvements in the area, such as for the Cross-Rifles Roundabout.”
Ashley Fox says the Minister’s comments make clear that funding improvements to Cross Rifles is now a choice for Somerset Council.
Residents have repeatedly contacted Ashley Fox about congestion, longer journey times and the daily frustration linked to traffic changes around the town centre, including the one-way arrangements on Salmon Parade and East Quay. Constituents have described missed appointments, increased taxi fares and the strain of navigating a layout that many feel does not function as intended. The scrapping of the upgrade to Cross Rifles roundabout by Somerset Council has made the situation even worse.
Ashley Fox MP said, “The Minister has confirmed that Somerset Council will have flexibility in how it uses this £265 million settlement and has suggested Cross Rifles as a potential improvement. This is not about whether the opportunity exists but whether the Council will choose to prioritise it.
“I am hearing from residents who are tired of congestion and tired of being told by Somerset Council to be patient. I believe the Council now has a responsibility to revisit the funding of the Cross Rifles Roundabout upgrade.”
Ashley Fox has written to the Leader of Somerset Council asking for confirmation that the Cross Rifles Roundabout upgrade will be included within the Council’s forthcoming Integrated Transport Fund programme and has offered to meet to press the case on behalf of Bridgwater residents.
