Shropshire Star

Learn lessons on Shrewsbury roadwork delays, says MP

The impact of lengthy roadworks on town centre businesses must lead to lessons being learned, Shrewsbury's MP has said.

Published
Roadworks on Wyle Cop in Shrewsbury

Daniel Kawczynski said businesses on Wyle Cop in Shrewsbury had raised concerns about the length of time work on the street was taking.

The work is being carried out by Shropshire Council as part of Shrewsbury's Integrated Transport Plan.

Mr Kawczynski said: "The businesses were concerned about the length of time it is taking to do this work.

"Some people have also complained that the work has been taking place at night, affecting guests staying at hotels.

"I've conveyed these concerns to Shropshire Council to see if any lessons can be learned from this experience.

"This is part of a £12 million scheme of road improvements within Shrewsbury, but obviously people are adversely affected when there are major road improvement schemes.

"It's important to try to do this as expeditiously as possible. I'm going to see the businesses myself of the coming weeks.

"But the council have asked me to let the businesses know that they can contact the council directly to convey these concerns."

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said the work would be beneficial for the future of the town.

He said: “These important works will maintain local highways and utility services around the town to the highest standards, and deliver major investment in further improvements required for the continued growth of Shrewsbury’s housing and town centre economy.

“Though some short-term disruption for road users is unfortunately inevitable, to minimise disruption and inconvenience to residents, businesses and visitors, all works are carefully programmed by Shropshire Council, developers, and our utility company partners, who meet on a regular basis to plan, agree and co-ordinate forthcoming work – taking into account all planned major events in the town.”