Sleepless nights due to ‘nightmare’ roadworks

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

Contractors have been working overnight this week on a new traffic scheme along Clevedon seafront, with residents describing it as a “nightmare”.

The work went on right 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 and 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.”

This is the second time in recent weeks that work has gone 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 the new cycleway, the scheme will see the introduction

I feel sorry for those with it right outside their doorstep

RESIDENT

of a new 20mph limit and parking reconfigured, resulting in a large number of spaces being lost.

Its 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 and new landscaping and seating.

Additional parking will be provided along Elton Road along 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 and forms part of the ‘Pier to Pier’ link between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon. The scheme has proved controversial with local residents and a Save Our Seafront (SOS) campaign 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 be for this week – and that no further overnight sessions are currently planned. It added that the decision to carry out the work at night was to limit disturbance to local businesses and residents during the day.