Roads firm defends work on rural Shropshire route

The company's regional director, Dave Rowley, has countered criticisms of the standard of its work on the B4386 between Marton and Brockton, south west of Shrewsbury, and said its workers had been subjected to abuse from some members of the public – including one who kicked over diversion signs.

Mr Rowley said: "Regarding the B4386 work between Marton and Brockton, as Shropshire Council has already made plain, a joint investigation is under way into an alleged incident of bad language. Ringway never condones abusive or sexist language and we await the outcome of the inquiry."

The company had faced criticism over its work on the road from local councillor Heather Kidd, but Mr Rowley said considerable efforts had been made to avoid disrupting the public.

He said: "The resurfacing of the B4386 was a difficult project that involved closing the road, in line with established best practice and public safety procedures. Considerable pre-planning was undertaken in conjunction with Shropshire Council officials.

"The closure was extended because of supply factors outside Ringway's control. However, the company took this as an opportunity to reschedule and action further necessary work on this stretch that would otherwise have caused further disruption to traffic at a later date.

"Part of the closure involved making one road to Binweston access and exit for residents and businesses only. However, despite prominent signage indicating that fact, some motorists insisted on ignoring the official signed diversion and used the road as a through short-cut.

"During this time, Ringway's contracted workforce, many of whom live locally, were subjected to verbal abuse from the travelling public. Our contractors at one point escorted motorists through the diversion but on some occasions were met with intimidating and aggressive attitudes, bad language and refusals to take the official route.

"One motorist even got out of his car to kick over the diversion signs."

Mr Rowley said that situation was one being faced by other roadworkers across the country.

He said: "The B4386 incidents illustrate a growing national problem of roadworks rage exhibited by motorists. Along with other highways maintenance companies, Ringway receives reports of an increasing number of incidents where drivers show a lack of common courtesy to roadworks operatives and subject them to abusive language and intimidating behaviour."

Mr Rowley also addressed Councillor Kidd's wider criticisms saying: "Councillor Kidd made further non-specific allegations about Ringway's workmanship. The company cannot respond to generalisations other than to say that it is an award-winning highways contractor which prides itself on the standards of its work. Ringway is the largest provider of highways maintenance in the country."

He added: "Following Councillor Kidd's comments, the company received a spontaneous call from a member of the public saying she did not agree with Heather Kidd in the slightest and wanted to send praise to our workforce for their politeness, good manners and good work on a project carried out in Hopesay, near Craven Arms."