Road closure for gas works in Shrewsbury: Why public notices matter – and how to find them

A road closure is reportedly causing problems on the bus network in Shrewsbury.

Mount Pleasant Road, in the Harlescott area of the town, is closed by the railway bridge.

Cadent has been carrying out gas main replacement work on the road since August 3, with it expected to be completed by Tuesday (September 1).

Last Thursday (August 20), a car crashed into a metal fence and a gas box in Mount Pleasant Road.

It is believed that happened at the other end of the main road, outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

One fire engine was sent to the scene at around 12.30pm and made a vehicle "electronically safe". There were no reports of any injuries.

Today (August 26), Andy Bebb shared photos on a local Facebook group saying the road was closed completely at the railway bridge with Cadent workers seen at the site.

When asked which way the number 25 bus was going into town, Mr Bebb said he had "seen a few turn around".

Abbie Jones added that buses are diverting via Ellesmere Road and "skipping Ditherington entirely."

"Closest stop is the pharmacy/Steam Wagon," she said.

"Not a clue going back. Been a nightmare as they haven't updated the diversion on the Arriva website and still say it's a normal route to town."

Meanwhile, replying to a question as to whether Whitemere Road was an option or not, Mr Bebb said "only to do a loop to save turning around."

In a news release published on July 8 ahead of the work, Shropshire Council said that the existing cast-iron gas main will be replaced with a new polyethylene main between the Sandford Avenue junction and the roundabout adjacent to the Steam Wagon pub.

The unitary authority added that the work had been programmed ahead of the planned resurfacing of Mount Pleasant Road to ensure that the new road surface is not subsequently impacted.

Cadent has been approached for comment.

What are public notices?

Have you ever discovered that a new development has been approved near your home and wished you had known about it sooner? Or found out about a road closure only after setting off on a journey?

Public notices exist precisely to prevent that – and if you know where to look, they can help you stay one step ahead.

Public notices are official announcements made by councils, local authorities, businesses and individuals to inform communities of proposals, decisions and changes that may affect everyday life.

They are not just bureaucratic paperwork – they are a legal safeguard, giving every member of the public a fair and timely opportunity to respond before a decision is finalised.

Where can you find them?

An easy place to find public notices is the Public Notice Portal – a free, fully searchable platform where you can look up notices by postcode, category or local authority.

You can also register for email alerts, choosing to receive updates daily, weekly or monthly, so relevant notices land directly in your inbox.

Notices also continue to appear in local newspapers, such as [PUBLICATION NAME], both in print and online.

Who can post a notice – and how?

Notices on the portal are submitted by registered local news publishers on behalf of those who need them placed.

This could be a solicitor administering a will, a business applying for a licence, or a local council giving notice of a planning application or road closure.

How does the Public Notice Portal work?

Local news publishers including [PUBLISHER NAME/S] contribute upload all the notices that appear in their printed newspaper titles to the portal, which displays nearly 14,000 live notices at any given time.

Why do public notices matter?

Public notices underpin local democracy. They ensure transparency and accountability, giving communities the chance to engage with decisions that might otherwise pass unnoticed – from a proposed housing development to a change in local licensing.

Without them, the power to shape your local area would rest entirely with the decision-makers, not the people most affected.

Types of public notice

The Public Notice Portal organises notices into eight categories.

Planning – applications for new buildings, extensions and changes of use. If a developer submits plans to build new homes in an area of [TOWN/CITY/COUNTY], you can search the Public Notice Portal by postcode to find the application and submit your comments before the deadline.

Traffic and roads – road closures, diversions, parking changes and speed limit alterations. For example, if you are planning a trip to [TOWN/CITY], check the portal for any planned closures or diversions on the [NAME OF MAJOR ROAD OR MOTORWAY] before you set off.

Alcohol and licensing – applications by pubs, restaurants, shops and event organisers to sell alcohol or hold licensable events. If a new venue in [LOCATION] is applying for a licence, you can find the notice on the portal and raise any concerns with the licensing authority within the stated timeframe.

Goods vehicle licensing, probate and trustee, contract and tender, statutory notices and other discretionary notices are also covered – making the portal a single, reliable destination for the full range of official public announcements.

To search for public notices in your area, visit publicnoticeportal.uk