Latest news with #WalesWestUtilities
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Chard roadworks to continue until September after overrun
A Somerset community is facing further disruption after a series of roadworks were extended until September.A stretch of the A358 Furnham Road in Chard has been closed since January but was meant to be complete at the start of this month. Work is under way on the town's gas pipes and sewers but other issues have been uncovered during the first phase of work, causing delays to the the junction of Furnham Road and Glynswood, at one end of the main closure will close from Tuesday ahead of the next phase of sewer works. Wales & West Utilities have been carrying out a £415,000 upgrade of the gas main, switching from the current metal pipes to long-lasting plastic Wessex Water is also working on £1.3m of improvements to the local sewage network in a bid to reduce the flood risk to nearby properties and work began in January with drivers complaining about "long delays" on nearby diversion routes.A spokesperson said "good progress" was being made by engineering teams working on the water main renovation along with work on the new the presence of other utilities, not revealed during the previous surveys of the area, obstructed a short section along the route of the new a result the section of Furnham Road, which was due to have reopened at the end of May, will now remain shut until 1 September.
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Nailsworth traders say George Street closure 'like Covid lockdown'
Road closure like 'lockdown part two', say traders 11 minutes ago Share Save Sophia Allsopp BBC News, West of England Share Save BBC Nailsworth businesses say roadworks on George Street mean they are struggling Businesses hit by a drop in trade during a lengthy road closure say they feel as though they are in "lockdown part two". George Street in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, was due to close overnight for three nights for resurfacing work in mid-April. More than three weeks later, it is yet to reopen after a digger damaged a gas main. Gloucestershire County Council said it was working with Wales & West Utilities to address "complications" with the repair. It thanked people for their patience. Meanwhile traders say they have lost thousands of pounds after footfall "fell off a cliff" across two bank holiday weekends. Christo Archer owns Waterloo House Cocktail and Wine Bar in George Street. He told the BBC he has seen a 60% drop in trade over the past three weekends. "This is lockdown part two for us," he said. "We've just got back on our feet." Christo Archer says there has been a 60% drop-off in trade at his bar "I've taken out another big loan. As a business we've missed two bank holiday weekends, which is so damaging," Mr Archer added. He confirmed he is seeking legal advice over what he says is lack of assistance from authorities and the lack of compensation. Business also told the BBC the smell of gas lingered in the area during part of the disruption. Charlotte Miles, who runs Pulp Lifestyle, said the entire street has suffered from a dramatic decline in customers. She estimates footfall in her shop is down 75%, with takings down by about 60%. Emily Marsland of Jacaranda Flowers and Charlotte Miles of Pulp Lifestyle "It's been pretty rough; the streets are pretty empty," Ms Miles said. "There's been lots and lots of work going on but the car parks have been empty. The footfall has completely fallen off a cliff." She said that, until recently, a lack of signs contributed to the problem as people could not see the shops and a car park were still open. "We've been told that we're unlikely to get any compensation for the period we've been affected," she added. She described the experience as giving "Covid flashbacks," with just a "handful of cars in the car park each day". Florist Emily Marsland, of Jacaranda Flowers, added: "We've had trouble with deliveries getting in and waste getting taken – it's been bad." A sign has been put at the top of road into Nailsworth to say businesses are open Wales & West Utilities confirmed it completed repairs to the gas main, but said the work was complex and required additional crews. Operations manager for the Stroud area, Andrew Wilding, said: "Our engineers worked as safely and as quickly as possible to isolate and stop the leak, making it safe." The road was due to reopen on Wednesday, but was once again delayed. A council spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, complications with the gas pipe repair meant works could not be completed. We are working with Wales and West Utilities to address this issue. "We appreciate the patience of the community as this is not something within the council's control." Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
