Muller power supply work sparks traffic chaos fears in Market Drayton

Work to install a new three kilometre underground electricity cable is due to start on July 20.

Western Power Distribution (WPD) announced the news after the processing giant called for an electricity supply upgrade.

The work is set to take place between Newport Road and Shrewsbury Road in stages over the next twelve months. It includes plans for lane closures and diversions at different points over the year.

Andy Pickering, WPD distribution manager for the area, said: "Our aim is to keep any disruption to an absolute minimum.

"We've agreed a traffic management scheme with Shropshire County Council that creates the least disruption to traffic flow in the area.

"We've also spoken to the Market Drayton Town Council to inform them of our work, sent letters to homes and business along the route and have liaised with bus companies."

Residents were sent letters that said the work followed "an application from Muller Dairy to upgrade the electricity supply to their business".

Graeme Jack, a spokesperson for the dairy, said: "We are a major employer in the area and looking to continue the progress that we are making.

"This is very much part of that, and we are leaving the consultation process to WPD."

The letter sent to residents said the works would take about 12 months with approximately six weeks of road closures at different stages.

They have been invited to attend a meeting to discuss the disruption tomorrow (WED) where representatives from WPD and Muller will be available to answer questions.

But some, including Fay Price, of Kiln Bank Crescent in Market Drayton, said not enough warning has been given.

She said: "I phoned Western Power on Friday to complain that three days notice for this meeting is not good enough.

"Also the time they are holding the meeting is not fair for people who have to work - which is a large majority.

"We haven't been given a start date yet so I don't understand what the rush is.

"I understand we need the work doing but there has been a lack of communication.

"I am sick of people in Market Drayton being left on the back foot.

"I work for a living so will not be able to attend the meeting.

"I am very concerned that they have organised a three hour meeting for a year's worth of work."

Councillor Roy Aldcroft, Mayor of Market Drayton, said: "I am aware that Muller has had electricity supply problems and that they are going to be fixed.

"If we are to ensure the continued presecne of Muller in our town and their development of the site we they own, we need this work to be done.

"12 months is a very long time but it is a complex process and I am quite sure that Muller wouldn't want it to go on any longer than it needs to either.

"It is an investment in time in my opinion – if we put up with this for 12 months then we could benefit from it for 25 or 30 years."

Mr Pickering added: "We're committed to communicating with people locally so that they are well

informed about the work we're doing.

"The open event is an ideal opportunity for us to listen and respond to any queries people may have."

The residents' meeting will be held at Festival Drayton Centre on Frogmore Road between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

Anyone who cannot attend but has questions should call WPD on (01782) 403632 between 8am and 4pm.