B4555 to be closed at Cankhorn

A revised date for the closure of the B4555 at The Cankhorn in Bridgnorth has now been agreed so that it avoids the busy summer season.

The road will now be closed from 8 September 2008 for up to eight weeks to allow Severn Trent Water to replace a foul sewer.

Shropshire County Council carried out a consultation exercise to gauge local opinion on the works, and to take account of any objections that were raised by the local traders, as the original proposed date was in the summer holidays.

For all road closures the council provides information about the closure to the emergency services and the local community. The council also organised a meeting to fully understand the issues of the local community.

During this consultation concerns from Highley, Chelmarsh and Eardington Parish Councillors and Bridgnorth District Councillors were raised about the work taking place during the tourist season. As a result of this the county council has worked closely with Severn Trent Water to agree an alternative date.

Concerns were also raised about access for emergency services and school buses. The postponement of the start date will allow these issues to be fully resolved.

John Everall, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “We’d like to thank the parish and district councils for raising these issues. We feel this really highlights the importance of local working, using local knowledge to arrange this work to suit as many people as possible.”

John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire County Councillor for Bridgnorth West, said: "We are pleased that an alternative date has now been agreed. It is important for local businesses that access is maintained to all tourist areas for as long as possible during the busy summer holidays.”

23 July 2008