Apology to Wellington traders for traffic disruption
A leading councillor has apologised for traffic problems caused by six weeks of roadworks in Wellington.
Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for neighbourhood services at Telford & Wrekin Council, conceded that a resurfacing scheme which reduced Wellington's ring road to one-way over the summer had caused problems.
And he said some traders might be entitled to compensation.
He responded to a question from Conservative leader Andrew Eade, questioning whether a plan to consider the effect on residents and traders had been carried out.
Councillor Davies told the full meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council: "I would like to apologise to all residents and all traders in Wellington for the disruption caused during the roadworks
"There was a plan done informally, and I can confirm that there is evidence that every pound invested in highways maintenance is worth £1.50 to the economy, so the benefits of highways improvements to an area like Wellington are clear."
Councillor Eade welcomed the apology but asked whether compensation would be available for traders who lost business.
Councillor Davies hit back, claiming such large scale work was necessary because of under-funding when the Conservative group was in control.
He said: "Councillor Eade talks about my apology but I would like to ask Councillor Eade to apologise to the people of Wellington for the four years of massive underinvestment in roads in Wellington.
"I put my hands up for the short-term disruption that was caused, but I hope Councillor Eade and his colleagues put their hands up to recognise that the reason such work was required was because of the massive underinvestment by the previous administration."
He added: "There is a way a kind of compensation can be obtained and any traders who wish to look for relief can contact the council.
"But I would say to the traders and residents of Wellington, the disruption will be worth it."
