Council bosses have postponed work on a busy Shropshire road junction in the wake of a public outcry.

Work was due to take place in Much Wenlock next month but it has been cancelled for a period of “further consultation” to take place.

Controversy has reigned over the project to improve safety on the A458 at the Gaskell Arms corner since work originally took place last year.

Traders in the town were furious when a botched scheme to make the junction safer caused weeks of delays.

The work last September and October upset residents and business owners who claimed the inconvenience was turning visitors away from the town.

But engineers are having to go back to the junction because pedestrian islands installed last year were too big, meaning lorries found it difficult to negotiate.

County council bosses had set a start date of June 11 for work to take place, and signs have been placed at the junction warning motorists of delays from that date.

But it was announced today the work had been postponed to make sure a suitable date could be found to cause minimum disruption.

Phil Crossland, Shropshire County Council’s assistant director for transport and highways, said it was important to fully consult with people in Much Wenlock.

He said: “Due to the business community’s concerns during the previous works carried out at the Gaskell Arms junction in Much Wenlock, we have agreed to consult further with the town council and the local business community to find out their preferred timings for the works.”

Sylvia Harrison, spokeswoman for the council, said: “The work is to adjust some kerb lines to make the passage through the junction easier for large vehicles.

“At the same time, Bridgnorth divisional office will undertake some remedial work to the surface at the junction with Sheinton Street.”

County councillor for Much Wenlock, Dave Gibbon, said the project had been a “nightmare”.

By Simon Alton