Project has caused businesses to close

COUNCILLOR Bird said of the Sprint Bus project: “This has been an unmitigated disaster and continues to be so. I spoke to our highways engineers today because the works are creating a highways danger because people drive up Ablewell Street and are doing (illegal) U-turns by Lidl.

“The works have caused businesses to close down. I have one who had been in this town for 35 years who said he can’t stay anymore because of what’s being done in Ablewell Street. There is a poor lad who has got an independent car wash and when the one-way was in there, he lost £7,000.

“Does anybody care? I’m not a bus lover, we all know that, and I’m not sure the A34 bus is going to do what it says. Where these illegal U-turns are being done, that’s where we need a camera. Never mind the bus lane. Those people are breaking the law and putting people’s lives at risk.”

Angela Hosford, head of Sprint Development at TfWM, said: “We have been having a few issues with the contractor. It’s fair to say those issues have been systemic throughout the works.

“But we’re working really hard to manage the contract, which is set up to help us work through any issues as works evolve with a real view to protect public finances. In December I said the works would complete in spring and we’re looking at completion in early June.

“We thank officers and the public for their patience as things have gone on for longer than we would have wanted them to. We’re looking to rectify any defects as we go and will continue to minimise the impact on traffic and movement.

“We know in reality though we still need to do night closures to do the work and sections of resurfacing. We are committed to making sure we engage with the businesses and properties affected.”