Ironbridge roadworks to finish early

Waterloo Street in Ironbridge will be open by December 4, according to Telford & Wrekin Council – a week earlier than planned.

It will come as a relief to business owners in the area, who had claimed the roadworks would have a huge effect on trade in the crucial build-up to Christmas.

The road will be closed for resurfacing from November 23. The closure had been due to be in force for three weeks.

Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for transport, said: "We completely understand the concerns of traders about this closure in the build up to Christmas and as a general rule, we have an embargo on street repairs in town centres during the festive period.

"In Ironbridge, the tourist season lasts for 12 months of the year so there is never a good time to do this sort of work. However, it is important to see this work in the wider context of what else we have planned for Ironbridge.

"We intend to improve footpaths along The Wharfage and that work will take place either side of Easter, which is early in 2016.

"In an effort to minimise disruption to businesses we have avoided works in the peak tourist season for the World Heritage Site during the summer months. That leaves us with little choice but to do Waterloo Street now.

"We are committed to working as quickly as we can and aim to get the closure and diversion lifted earlier than the anticipated timeframe.

"However this does depend on both the weather and not encountering anything unforeseen, as can happen with works that take place in the Gorge."

Councillor Nicola Lowery, borough councillor for Ironbridge, said: "I understand the challenges that the council faces and why the work on Waterloo Street has to be done now.

"I have asked that every effort is made to ensure the disruption is kept to a minimum and the work completed in less time than the scheduled three weeks."