Roadworks Anger as residents kept awake overnight

COUNCIL bosses have apologised to bleary-eyed residents in Clevedon after roadworks through the night left them unable to sleep.

Contractors have been working at night this week on a new traffic scheme along the North Somerset town’s seafront, with residents describing it as a “nightmare”.

The work went on through the night on Tuesday, finishing at 7am.

It was also due to restart last night and may overrun into tonight.

People say they have been unable to sleep, with some being forced to move into the rear of their properties to try to avoid the noise.

One resident said: “I live above the Beach Cafe. It’s going to be a long night.”

Another resident said: “It’s currently 9.25pm on the seafront and they’re still drilling away.

“I live opposite the pier, but I feel sorry for those with it right outside their doorstep.”

It is the second time in recent weeks that work has gone on into the night.

Last month contractors worked late into the evening to finish resurfacing work on Elton Road, causing disturbance to local residents.

Along with a new cycleway, the scheme will see the introduction of a 20mph limit and parking is being reconfigured, resulting in a large number of spaces being lost.

The aim is to remove cyclists from the prom while providing pedestrian priority crossing points over the cycle route.

It will also feature 25 cycle stands and new crossing points, landscaping and seating. Additional parking will be provided along Elton Road, with extra bus stops.

The project is due to be completed early next year and will provide a new route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It will form part of the ‘Pier to Pier’ link between Weston-superMare and Clevedon.

The scheme has proved controversial with local residents and a Save Our Seafront campaign was launched in a bid to see it halted. A petition against the scheme has collected more than 5,000 signatures, and campaigners have enlisted the help of North Somerset MP Liam Fox, who has called for the scheme to be scrapped.

North Somerset Council said the night working would only happen this week, with no further overnight sessions planned.

A council spokesman said: “The nighttime works are due to occur this week only and are being carried out to minimise as much disruption as possible to businesses and a larger number of residents during the day.

“We’d like to apologise to those directly affected by the nighttime works, which will be completed as soon as possible. Our contractor is being as sensitive as possible to the local community during these works, with the noisier tasks being completed earlier on in the evening.

“These works are necessary to ensure that they are substantially completed in early December, which was promised to local businesses and stakeholders in an effort to avoid the busy Christmas period.”