High street to shut for two weeks after traders lobby against four-week closure
The High Street in an historic Shropshire town is to close for two weeks for upgrades to the electricity network.
Much Wenlock’s medieval high street is to shut from Monday April 17 to Sunday, April 30.
The road closure, which was approved by Shropshire Council, is to allow the National Grid to conduct upgrade works to the network.
A four-week closure had been planned by the electricity provider but after lobbying by local councillors due to fears for local trade, the works have been condensed into two weeks.
A diversion will be in place for motorists that will include Smithfield Road, New road, Shienton Street and Wilmore Street.
The High Street plays host to one of the town’s regular markets but Much Wenlock Town Council has said traders will not be affected by the works.
National Grid has agreed to complete the upgrades, or temporarily postpone them if they are not finished, when the market returns to the High Street next month following lobbying by town and Shropshire councillors.
The road closure comes as traders in another Shropshire market town have complained that utility works have slashed trade there by 80 per cent.
Cadent Gas is replacing a mains gas pipe along Bridgnorth bridge, which has led to one local business seeing weekly revenues plunge from £1,500 to just £200.
