Delight at Shrewsbury traffic island clean-up
It was branded an "absolute mess" but now Highways England has started the process of brightening up a roundabout that was part of a multi-million pound road scheme.
Businessman Tony Bywater and Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, had complained to the highways authority over the condition of the Emstrey Island on the A5, following the completion of a huge project to redevelop the surrounding road.
Now Highways England has completed work to clean the roundabout of weeds and has pledged to begin efforts to improve its appearance.
The work will include covering the island with grass and trees.
In a letter to Mr Kawczynski, Andrew Butterfield, Highways England's network delivery and development manager for the Midlands, said: "Contractors have laid top soil and grass seeds and our intention is to create an island with well developed trees and grassed open space."
Mr Bywater, chairman of a caravan dealership, said he is delighted Highways England had responded to pressure to clear the roundabout of weeds, and hoped the island could provide a fitting gateway to "the town of flowers".
He also praised Mr Kawczynski and Shropshire Councillor Clare Wild for their assistance.
He said: "I now hope the island will be properly landscaped and maintained."
