Oswestry A5 roundabout work 'just a waste of cash'
Money being spent on improving the busy Gledrid roundabout, near Oswestry, should instead be used to dual the A5, it has been claimed.
Councillor Ralph Cooper, chairman of Weston Rhyn Parish Council, said he and fellow parishioners believed dualling the A5 should be prioritised over work that is due to be carried out on the Gledrid roundabout, starting in January.
The £700,000 improvement scheme – which will take about six months to complete – will involve the widening of the A5 to the north and southbound approaches, widening the A5 northbound exit, carriageway resurfacing, footway construction, removal and replacement of the existing signing and lining, removal and installation of lighting columns, as well as drainage and vegetation clearance.
Councillor Cooper said he believed any funds that are available should be spent on transforming the A5 into a dual carriageway from north of Montford Bridge to Ruabon across the North Wales border.
He said: "Honestly, I do think the work planned is a waste of money, like the work on the Mile End Roundabout was.
"I worry that the works will cause the same problems as the improvements on the Mile End Roundabout did, which many people still struggle with now because the lanes are much too narrow.
"If a lorry's on the roundabout the same time as you, it takes up two lanes, so you do have to hang back."
North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson, who has campaigned for 20 years to see the A5 dualled, said the work on the roundabout was needed, but reiterated his call for the improvements to the A5.
Transport minister John Hayes is due to see the road for himself in the new year in a visit organised by Mr Paterson.
Roads approaching the Gledrid roundabout will be affected between 9pm and 6am from January 26 through to June 2 for the work to be carried out.
