Shrewsbury roads revamp sparks complaints

The Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package aims to stop drivers using the town centre as a through route, and to make better use of the town’s outer and inner ring roads instead.

But since the work got under way Shropshire Council has received 16 complaints through its ‘formal’ process, and 103 comments and complaints through other contact with the council, such as emails and telephone calls.

The highest number of comments were received in June this year – with 22 – and the highest number of formal complaints, seven, were received in May this year.

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package has been designed to improve access to the town and make it a safer and more appealing place to visit or do business, whilst also reducing pollution levels.

“It’s a major scheme that is seeing £12m of inward investment in Shrewsbury’s roads and town centre, and we’re grateful for people’s patience and understanding while this important work is carried out.

“A major scheme of this kind will undoubtedly cause some disruption and inconvenience but we have done all we can to minimise this, through the ongoing and timely provision of up-to-date information about the work, by making appropriate adjustments to the work plans, and by responding to all concerns, comments and complaints raised.

“It’s important to note that we have received a number of compliments about the work.

"The work at Meole Brace roundabout has been especially well received and we have already received a number of compliments in relation to the ongoing work at the gyratory.”

After the Meole Brace roundabout, work began on Sutton Park roundabout, Reabrook roundabout, and now work is under way on the English Bridge gyratory and Coleham Head.

Early next year work is set to begin on areas in the town centre.