U-turn on major roadwork plans in Bedworth

Controversial roadworks have been postponed after fuming residents threatened to stage a protest.



They branded planned roadworks on a major route into Bedworth a joke.

They said that the proposals to close Heath Road for three weeks for resurfacing would cause utter chaos, effectively closing off one end of Bedworth.

The News took up their concerns with Warwickshire County Council, which is in charge of highways.

Ward county councillor Sara Doughty had been making calls behind the scenes on behalf of the irate residents and, as a result, the works have now been postponed.

"We have taken on board a number of comments from local people and recognise there are concerns about the impact of roadworks on Heath Road," Cllr Doughty said.

"County Highways have been in discussion with the contractor to postpone the works so that we can review the plan and ensure the works are carried out as smoothly as possible."

"While the resurfacing is essential to this carriageway we want to ensure it is carried out with minimum disruption to local people. We are writing to residents to keep them informed of our plans."

While the works in Heath Road have been post-poned, planned works to close off the A444 Bedworth Bypass, from junction Newtown Road to junction with Griff Roundabout, are set to take place next month.

A road closure order has been put in place for carriageway resurfacing works to start on Sunday, June 22 and will last for 18 months, or until the works are completed.

But it has been stressed that the works will only be carried out on three consecutive Sundays – June 22, 29 and July 6.

They will take place overnight between 7pm and 6am.

Highways bosses hope that the project will be fully completed by engineers by 6am on Monday, July 7. During the works an alternative route will be signed for traffic.