We are told by National Grid Gas that some of the gas pipes in the town centre are on a risk register and must be replaced as a priority. This work was to commence last April but, despite the priority, NGG failed to do the work. If the gas mains are urgently at risk, surely NGG would have done the work in April as planned?
The company has now proposed doing the work beginning in late July through to September. The Bull Ring, King Street, High Street and Broad Street are among the streets that NGG plans to dig up in the middle of the peak tourist season. Map of proposed works.
This proposal is totally unacceptable. The works would severely damage tourist and other trade. I shudder to think of tourists strolling through the most beautiful town in England, taking photos dominated by safety barriers and filming videos to the sound of pneumatic drills.
Shropshire Council has already told NGG that it should not dig up the town centre during the summer. It has suggested that the works are done from mid-September to November. This is still a busy season for us with a number of major events.
NGG seems to want to do everything for its convenience and its profits at the expense of our town thriving.
I have objected to works commencing before January, as has the town council. Shropshire Council officers are talking to NGG about getting the timing right for the town.
Street works frequently asked questions.