Shrewsbury residents demand council repair A-road after 'issues surfaced a year ago'

The issue started over a year ago when the edge of the A488 along the valley in Hope broke away. Traffic lights were installed, however residents and a local councillor say that, despite a lot of pressure from them, nothing has been done to repair the road.

“Since then, two more sections of road have crumbled away leaving motorists having to navigate three sets of traffic lights,” said Councillor Heather Kidd (Lib Dem, Chirbury and Worthen).

“I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve reported the lights being either completely out or even green at both ends. They don’t seem to care how long the lights are out and it’s very hard work to get them to turn out to repair them.

“The result is that we have had a significant number of near misses with traffic traveling in both ways down the single lane. After a chaotic week with the lights not working properly, Amberon have again failed to come out to put them right.

“The council have now told me that they are thinking of putting up some semi-permanent lights. However, what we need immediately is a competent set of contractors to keep the lights in proper working order before someone is hurt or worse. We also need an urgent long-term solution to this problem before more of the road crumbles away and becomes impassible.”

A Shropshire Council spokesperson said: “The council is aware of the issues along the valley at Hope and apologises for the disruption the current traffic restrictions are causing.

“Regrettably, there are multiple slips which are undermining the road edge along a 900m section of the carriageway.

“Consequently, a number of traffic lights are required to ensure the safety of road users. Traffic control over this distance is challenging and inevitably results in lengthy delays.

“These can be exacerbated, and understandably so, by frustrated drivers who sometimes ‘run’ red lights, causing the lights to reset.

“Council engineers are working hard to resolve this situation and are sourcing signals that will work on a semi-permanent basis, off the electricity grid, until the permanent repairs can be undertaken.

“It is anticipated these signals will be installed around 10 March subject to manufacture and connection to the grid. In the meantime, the council will make arrangements for daily monitoring of the existing signals.

“The council is also currently undertaking investigations – as a matter of priority – to ensure the valley remains open to traffic and so that permanent repairs can be undertaken during the summer months.

“Nevertheless, it is anticipated that road closures may be required when repairs are carried out and advance notices and signing will be put in place beforehand to inform the public.”