More roadwork misery for Wem motorists

Gas mains replacement work is currently taking place along Leek Street, Wem and the road will be closed until September 25.

Another road closure currently ongoing is the B5063 from Wem Road End to the A49 junction at Preston Brockhurst. This is for road resurfacing works and will continue until September 25.

Work is then due to take place near Bankhouse Lane at the end of High Street to the start Lowe Hill Road on September 21 for four weeks of resurfacing works. And there will also be road closures along Shawbury Road from the junction with the A49 until September 25.

Wem resident John Fleet said: "The major roadwork schemes which are due to take place are going to cause chaos in the town. There are huge overkill motorway signs outside The New Fox Inn advising drivers of the oncoming chaos.

"The two sets of roadworks overlap by a week, effectively cutting off the east and west entry/exit routes of the town."

Councillor John Murray, mayor of Wem, said the works would have a major impact on traffic, but said they were essential.

"Obviously there are going to be a great deal of delays in town," he said. "It doesn't help the town and the businesses at all. The gas main replacement works must be done. It is going to be an inconvenience but I ask people to be patient."

In February, Soulton Road was closed for two months after being hit by delays with to works. Drainage and resurfacing was originally due to take place from February 16 to March 27 but was extended by three weeks and finished on April 13.

Pauline Dee, Shropshire councillor for Wem, said: "The problem for people is the long diversions which add a lot of journey time. It is concerning for all of us but try and be positive as it is an investment for the future. With gas works the more which are safely replaced the better."

Simon Collins, spokesman for Wales & West Utilities, said: "We are working on Leek Street, Wem, as part of a scheme to replace more than 500 metres of old metal gas pipes with new plastic ones.

"This work is essential to make sure that the area continues to receive a safe and reliable supply of gas now and in the future.

"This work started in August and we anticipate it will be finished by the end of October.

"So that the general public, road users and our workforce are kept safe while we are working, we have agreed with the local authority that Leek Street will be closed until September 25. A diversion route is clearly marked.

"This work is part of our multi-million pound 30-year gas pipe replacement scheme across the south west of England and Wales, in which all old metal gas pipes within 30 metres of buildings are replaced with new plastic ones with a lifespan of 80 years."