Shrewsbury Pride Hill work on track at last

The project in Pride Hill was the subject of widespread criticism last year after a series of hold-ups left the street looking like a building site for months.

However a new contractor, McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd, has taken over the work and the progress has been hailed as “significant”.

The entire length of Pride Hill is being renovated as part of the £12 million Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package.

When work began last year, numerous problems came to light which resulted in the original contractor being removed from the job and work grinding to a halt over the Christmas period. Work re-started last month and is due to finish in the summer.

While the works to remove the red brick surface and street furniture is underway, low level barricades have been installed which still allow access to the shops.

Last year there was criticism of the high level fencing which gave the appearance of the street being closed for business. Many local business owners and shoppers were critical of the time it was taking to complete the works and also the quality of work carried out.

Shrewsbury BID called on Shropshire Council to take action to address the "unacceptable disruption" to businesses caused by the ongoing Pride Hill works.

The area has been a hive of activity over the past few weeks with a dramatic increase in the number of men and diggers working.

Minimal

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We’re really pleased with how it’s going and with the response from the public and businesses. Our contractors – working in partnership with Shropshire Council and WSP – are doing a great job and I want to thank them for their efforts.

“Work is progressing as planned and on schedule, with some areas of paving already completed and now back open to the public. Disruption to the public and businesses has been minimal.”

Last year local business owners and shoppers were critical of the time it was taking to complete the changes and also the quality of work carried out. Shrewsbury BID called on Shropshire Council to take action to address the “unacceptable disruption”.

Councillor Alan Mosley, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, was one of the most outspoken critics of the previous contractor but has said that, although it is early days, he is pleased with what he has seen so far.

“It appears that this is of a good standard and there are plenty of people working on site,” he said.

“Controls for pedestrians and shoppers have been well thought out and they are able to get good access to the shops. So far it seems to be a success but it is fair to say that it will be subject to significant scrutiny given what has happened in the past.”

Seb Slater, executive director at Shrewsbury BID, said: “We are pleased to have seen a significant improvement in the way the Pride Hill works have been managed since the current phase started under new contractors.

“There are long-term benefits that come from improving public realm, but it’s also important to stress to visitors and shoppers that all Pride Hill shops are still very much accessible and open during these works.”