Shropshire road workers pulled up on ‘poor attitude’

The complaints were received by Wem Rural Parish Council said the complaints received included the “poor attitude shown towards residents” while carrying out work in Barkers Green and Newtown.

The parish council contacted Shropshire Council about the issues. Shropshire Council bosses said the contractors were reminded about the standards expected while working for the council.

A statement on behalf of the parish council states: “Residents will be fully aware of the inconvenience road closures for highways repairs and improvements have on day-to-day activities and Wem rural parish has had its fair share of road closures over the last few months.

“Following these recent closures, residents have brought several issues to the parish council’s attention – the most concerning being the poor attitude displayed by some of the contractors supervising access through closures towards residents.”

The parish council said during August and September there will be another round of closures – Edstaston on August 19 for two days, Ryebank on August 24 for one day, Barkers Green on August 28 for three days and Thistleford Bridge, Aston on September 4 for 12 days.

“The parish council hopes there will be no re-occurrence of this poor attitude,” the statement adds.

Steve Brown, Shropshire Council’s highways transport and environment maintenance manager, said: “This issue was raised some months ago from the parish clerk and chairman of the parish directly to the portfolio holder for highways and transport and the highways and transport manager for Shropshire Council.

“This concern of the parish council was discussed and action was taken via the lead contractors and sub contractors to remind contractors working for the council of the standards expected. This course of action was accepted by the parish and the matter was addressed some time ago. We are not aware of any issues being raised since.”