Meole Brace roundabout redesign is a 'huge waste of money' say protesters

After a petition was launched and raised 4,000 signatures in less than a week, a group of local residents took up a stance on the roundabout in Shrewsbury yesterday as contractors Mouchel were due to move in.

During the protest, which organisers said was well supported by passing motorists, they staged a small demonstration against plans to remodel the roundabout and create a new road, cycleway and footpath.

They say the work, which is part of the £12.1 million Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package, is unnecessary.

Steve Boulding, sustainable transport spokesman for the Shrewsbury and North Shropshire Green Party, added: "This is a huge waste of money.

"Shropshire Council seems to have no interest in supporting public transport particularly buses and railways.

"There is a huge scope for an improvement in train services in Shropshire but the council won't even carry out feasibility surveys to determine what could be done. Unlike other shires in the country, Shropshire stands alone on this."

Retired firefighter Mike Statham, 66, from Bayston Hill, had also turned out to show his support. "I cannot understand why the council is doing something to a roundabout which already works well," he said.

"The works are pointless in my opinion. Why do we have to have a footpath, road and cycleway straight through a landscaped space? It will not improve anything at all."

Sarah Johnson, from Sutton Farm, said: "The works are not wanted and it is an absolute waste of money.

"It is important that the voices of people are listened to."

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "Shropshire Council is aware of protesters being present at Meole Brace Roundabout.

"We can confirm that, following their departure, work to improve Meole Brace Roundabout commenced on site, on time, as planned."