Delight as relief road opens

After a wait of almost 30 years, Bridgnorth's Whitburn Street relief road was officially opened today with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the road's officials.

Councillors, contractors and residents, turned out in force to see the opening of the road, which has been almost three decades in the making.

Councillor Elizabeth Yeomans, leader of Bridgnorth District Council, said: "It's wonderful to see it open, it's gone on for some years.

"We've got the relief road to completion after many negotiations and much hard work. I'm grateful to everyone who's been involved, the contractors, Sainsbury's and the district council."

The next stage, which starts this weekend, is to turn Whitburn Street into a one-way system.

The development has also seen the regeneration of the existing car parks and a new access road to Bridgnorth Hospital.

Sainsbury's has carried out the work as part of a development package after striking a deal with Bridgnorth District Council. The scheme includes extending the Sainsbury's store and building a DIY warehouse. The relief road was earmarked as a priority.

Councillor Ed Shirley said: "It's a big day for the district council. For many years we have been working trying to get this site developed. It's very good that this has happened prior to March 31 when the unitary comes in.

It's a pleasure to see it open, this site has needed developing for many years. Lets hope that the benefits to Bridgnorth are what everybody wants them to be."