RESIDENTS and traders in Midsomer Norton have shared their thoughts on the redevelopment of The Island amid claims the project was “tremendously expensive.”
Locals have largely welcomed the completion of the £2.39million overhaul which is hoped will bring the square back to its former glory.
The redevelopment work took place over the course of ten months with some questioning why was it so expensive and why it took so long, affecting trade for some.
Resident James Smith, 84, said: "It certainly isn't big enough for anyone who is coming up there to trade.
"I can't see where all the money has gone, it seems tremendously expensive.”
Jackie Cross, who works at the Dog Lover and Coffee shop based on The Island, said: "I think it looks a lot better. We're waiting for the market to come, because I think that will be great for this end of the town.
"We had some people come in the other day and they didn't know we were here. Because it was caged in, you couldn't really see the shop. So it did dramatically change our business.
"It did take a long time to do.”
Kate Geernaert, who owns the shop, shared the impact the redevelopment has had on her business.
She said: “We’ve always been a great supporter of The Island redevelopment, thinking it would be amazing to have a great space and bring back the market feeling of the town as it were.
“We knew that it would be disruptive for our business, but I don’t think we were prepared for it to be as disruptive as it was. It has impacted our business severely. It has almost crushed us, actually. We’re thousands and thousands of pounds down.
“Basically we’re in discussion at the moment to see if we can stay open.
“I don’t want to start a hate campaign against the council, but in terms of speaking up for the businesses, it has absolutely crushed us.
“I don’t know if we’re going to be here in three months.”
Natasha Grimble, who works at Pierre Hair technicians next door to the Dog Lover and Coffee shop, said: "I think it looks lovely. My only criticism is that there are no bins.
“It should bring business back up and when they have the market days it should bring more people down this way."
Councillor Martyn Plant, Mayor of Midsomer Norton, said the redevelopment “is a historic moment for our town”.
He said: “A major part of this scheme has been the strengthening of an underground channel, originally constructed in Victorian times to enclose the river and make space for cattle markets. It’s brilliant to see this important piece of infrastructure reinstated so the square can be brought back to its former glory.”