Shropshire motorists met with swearing and sexist comments from road workers, councillor claims

A row has broken out over the handling of Shropshire Council resurfacing works on a country road after Councillor Heather Kidd said she received multiple complaints from residents and motorists – including one driver being told she was "only a woman" when she complained about diversion signs not being clear enough.

The council today said it was aware of complaints and that an investigation had been launched.

The stretch of the B4386 between Marton and Brockton, near the Welsh border south west of Shrewsbury, has now reopened after being closed for resurfacing.

But Councillor Kidd, said the works were fraught with problems, from "mayhem" and damage caused by diverting heavy traffic down narrow roads to nearby Meadowtown, to contractors Ringway trying to extend road closure times without permission to do so, to the works finishing a week late.

Councillor Kidd, who represents Chirbury and Worthen, said: "I for one was very glad to hear that they and the council will be parting company in 2018.

"I've lost count of the number of times I've complained about their poor workmanship and unreliability. I only hope that the council acquires the expertise to draw up a functional contract with the new contractor. This one has been far from perfect.

"What made this work particularly unpleasant was the rudeness and foul language of many of the contractors employees when dealing with the public. Expletives were regularly used, even in front of children, and one resident was told she was 'only a woman' when she got lost trying to get around the poorly signed diversion."

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "Shropshire Council ensures that any diverted road is sign-posted to a similar standard road to ensure larger vehicles can utilise the road network safely and effectively.

"Obviously in Shropshire there is always local knowledge, and if other routes are utilised from local knowledge, then this will always be an issue. However the diversion is clearly signed and is always placed on the website roadworks.org for public information, as well as advanced notification to residents and businesses by letter.

"Shropshire Council is aware of this issue of abusive or foul language , allegedly via a sub-contractor of Ringway.

"The matter has been raised with Ringway and an investigation is underway."

He said a road closure was began 15 minutes earlier than advertised on one occasion but action had already been taken.

"Liaison with Council Kidd has already taken place, and this has been raised with our contractor," he said.

He said the roadworks finished late due to a plant breakdown at a raw materials supply quarry, an the opportunity was taken to do some additional work in the meantime to reduce the need for further closures.

No complaints had been received directly by Shropshire Council's highways office, he said.