Should a new road be cut through the heart of Telford Town Park? That’s the big debate in Dawley and Hinkshay as workmen resurface one of Telford’s most potholed roads.

Hinkshay Road – the south western access to the park – is currently a dead end for motor traffic, but the route continues as the Silkin Way for walkers and cyclists who are heading into the town centre.

Speculation is growing that it could be opened up as a road all the way through the park.

It would be ideally located to link up with the multi-million pound homes, leisure and shops development planned for the town centre at Southwater Square.

Contractors this week started a major programme to resurface Hinkshay Road, which has been riddled with water-filled potholes for years.

The first, three-week, phase runs from the Finger Road roundabout to just past Mount Gilbert School.

The second phase will run past the burnt-out White Hart pub up to the park itself.

Divided

But residents and business people are divided over whether the route should ultimately be extended to the town centre.

Alfred Nickless, of Hinkshay Road, said: “I’ve lived here 70 years and can remember when it was a road straight through. I’d like to see it re-opened. It would make a much shorter journey for me to drive to the shops.”

But his near neighbour Maninder Bains said creating a through-road would ruin one of Telford’s precious green spaces.

“It’s a lovely spot here, with buzzards flying about, horses grazing and families walking,” he said.

Kay Boden, owner of Shapes ‘n’ Shades hairdresser’s, in the middle of the roadworks, said: “I don’t want to see the road extended – I think the town park would disappear.”

Her customer Carol Bowen, of Bridgwater Close, Stirchley, said: “I think a direct access for cars from Hinkshay to the town centre would be a good thing.”

Councillor Eric Carter, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: We want to hear from residents as we move into the autumn round of consultation for Dawley’s regeneration.”

By Peter Johnson