DIVERSION TOOK ME FOR A RIDE

YOUR article (‘Angry traders say gas pipe works are wrecking business’, July 29) prompted me to tell you this short tale – a strong warning for people living in Rossendale.

I headed from Rossendale to Ramsbottom one morning this week for a stroll in Nuttall Park, some shopping and a lunch in the Chocolate Cafe, but the National Grid engineering works ruined my plans.

When just two minutes drive from the park, at the lights in the town centre, I was sent off on a “diversion” which extended my journey by no less than 35 minutes!

Diverted from Bridge Street I was astounded as I followed the diversion signs all the way into Bury town centre, through endless roundabouts, past Burrs Country Park, and all the way back towards Edenfield, before finally, finally reaching the entrance to Nuttall Park.

Bury Council must surely be congratulated for devising a cracking practical joke on its visitors. A stroke of genius for the summer holidays!

The traders are absolutely right to be angry, because I certainly won’t be visiting Ramsbottom shops again, I have lost all faith in Bury’s highways management – for all I know I may next be directed to the Chocolate Cafe via John O’Groats!

Your article last week simply said “diversions” are in place. It didn’t say the diversions take you on a scenic tour across the width of the region. Take heed everyone. Jan Styan Thistlemount Mews Turnpike, Newchurch