Bridgwater MP Ashley Fox has slammed the Somerset councillor overseeing a number of roadworks in the town, claiming he has "clearly failed".
In a letter to Councillor Richard Wilkins, Ashley said that the Lead Member for Transport was “failing” in his duty to “manage our public highways and to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in and around the town.”
Ashley also asked for an explanation and assurances that Mr Wilkins’ department “will apply a little more thought to the planning of roadworks in Bridgwater.”
In response, the Lib Dem councillor for Curry Rivel and Langport, said: “we do understand the concerns of traders and we want to get the work done so they, and the rest of Bridgwater, can start to feel the benefit of the scheme.”
Ashley proceeded in his letter to outline the various roadworks in Bridgwater, including the Celebration Mile project in Eastover which he said was “crippling local businesses”, and the Dunball Roundabout scheme, which was “causing lengthy delays to both car and bus users.”
“You and your officers have clearly failed to assess the cumulative impact of these extensive roadworks and the significant inconvenience they are now causing to residents and businesses. While each of these projects should, in due course, benefit the local economy it is unacceptable that your department has scheduled them all at the same time.”
In response to Ashley Fox, Richard Wilkins said: “We know works around Bridgwater cumulatively are having an impact on traffic, but these are time sensitive projects supporting or bringing massive investment to the area and the Council is constantly reviewing traffic management with contactors to see what can be done to reduce disruption.”
