Access pledge during work on Wem gas pipes
A utility firm has insisted elderly people won’t be left isolated when it carries out six weeks of gas pipe works in Wem.
Wales & West Utilities said all traffic will still have access to and from Wem along the signposted diversion routes, including buses, when it carries out the work in the town.
It comes after residents said they were concerned about being cut off by the one-way system which will be put in place while old gas pipes are replaced in Station Road and Aston Street. The work is expected to run from September 18 to October 30.
Paul Astley, Wales & West Utilities operations controller for north Wales, said: “We are due to start work on Aston Street and Station Road in Wem on September 18 to upgrade more than 400 metres of old metal gas pipes in the area to new plastic ones.
“This six-week scheme is essential to keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses – and make sure the gas network is fit for the future.
“In agreement with Wem Town Council, and so that road users, pedestrians and our colleagues are kept safe while we work, a partial road closure, as well as a one-way system, will be in use.
“This will involve the closure of the level crossing to all traffic wanting to travel from the east of the level crossing between Soulton Road and Aston Road for a three-week period.
“During this work, all traffic will still have access to and from the town along the signposted diversion routes. This includes buses.
“We will work as quickly and safely as we can to complete this essential work and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to complete our work on October 30.”
Mr Astley added the firm will write to all homes and businesses in the area before work starts.
But Shelia Richardson, chair of the Wem Civic Society, said: “I am concerned about the people who may get cut off because of these road works. This is a major worry for people in the east of the town.”
