Misery for Ludlow motorists as 'slow progress' is made on roadworks at junction
Roadworks causing long traffic delays around Ludlow should be complete within two weeks, a power company has said.
Extensive roadworks at the junction of Station Drive, Upper Galdeford and Gravel Hill, near Ludlow town centre, are coming along, despite criticism from residents and motorists that there doesn't appear to be any progress, Western Power Distribution has said.
But the works are essential to make sure there are no power cuts for two GP surgeries and elderly and vulnerable residents in the area, the firm has said.
The works have been ongoing for two weeks, but Tracey Huffer, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow East, and Andy Boddington, for Ludlow North, both said they had received multiple complaints from angry residents that lots of disruption was being caused even though contractors were rarely seen at the site.
Councillor Huffer said: "This work is essential but I don't know why it is taking so long. We've had temporary traffic lights in place for a couple of weeks but most of the time there are no workers on site at all.
"We have traffic queuing in all directions. People are getting very angry that they are being delayed but no progress is being made.
"They drive past and they can't see a single person working.
"This work needs to done but I can't see any evidence of it being done in an expedient way. We can't have an important junction clogged up in town just for the convenience of the contractors."
Councillor Boddington added: "Town buses are being diverted due to the lengthy delays at the lights.
"The barriers on the pavements by the roadworks make it very difficult for people on motor buggies to get past.
"The lights sequence makes it very difficult for pedestrians to cross safely.
"This work should have been started and completed within days but there is not a contractor in sight day in day out working on these roadworks."
Louise Birkett, speaking for Western Power Distribution, said: "We are really sorry for any inconvenience that we are causing. This is part of a £90,000 project of reinforcement to improve the security of the supply in the area."
We are actually replacing the cable there.
"We know that we have got a number of vulnerable people in the area and two doctors' surgeries.
"Our permit runs until March 3 but we are working to finish as soon as possible," she said.
