Motorists face a summer of misery in Shrewsbury – with about 30 different sets of roadworks planned between now and the end of August.

Business bosses say they will also be affected and expect a decline in passing trade as drivers are forced to seek alternative routes. The news comes as work started yesterday in Woodcote Way. Temporary traffic signals have been put in place for the works, which are being carried out by Central Networks.

They are expected to last one month, with a one-week break for the week of the Shrewsbury Flower Show.

Alisha Allen, spokeswoman for Central Networks, said: “We are having to replace nearly two miles of high voltage overhead cables and put them underground.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience to residents and we have delivered 300 letters to make sure they are aware of the works, which need to be done to improve the supply.”

In Harlescott roadworks have been ongoing since April 12 in Featherbed Lane, Harlescott Lane, Whitc- hurch Road and Battlefield Road to improve the crossroads. The work is set to finish on August 27.

Queue

Councillor Tony Durnell, ward member for Monkmoor, said: “Businesses in Monkmoor rely on passing trade.

“I think the roadworks in Woodcote Way could have an effect because if there is a queue of traffic people won’t want to leave it to stop at the shops.

“It could affect businesses that do deliveries. Small businesses rely on people who are just driving through who stop off.

“If there are major roadworks like at Harlescott you change your route to avoid it and even when the roadworks are finished it can be hard to persuade people to change back.”

Karen Jones, manager of Country Pickings florists in Conway Drive, Monkmoor, said she was concerned about the roadworks in Woodcote Way. She said: “We use the road everyday so it will disrupt our deliveries.”

Elsewhere, on the A5112 Robertson Way electrical works have been ongoing since July 2 which are due to finish on August 2.

Other roadworks are taking place in the A458, Bridge Street, Priory Road, Kennedy Road, Belle Vue Road and Longden Road.

Minor schemes are  planned for:

• Berwick Road
• Eskdale Road
• Welshpool Road
• Thornhill Road
• Hunter Street
• Richmond Drive
• A458
• Swan Hill
• Torrin Drive
• Ridgebourne Road
• Sutton Road
• Meole Rise
• Stapleton Road
• Broadway Close
• Shelton Road
• Smithfield Road
• Monkmoor Road
• Kennedy Road
• St Michael’s Street
• Canonbury
• Hereford Road

Longer works are  planned for:

• Abbots Road
• Ashton Road
• Wyle Cop
• Beeches Lane

By Emma Kasprzak