A WORCESTERSHIRE County Council candidate has branded the council’s decision to start new roadworks on Port Street, Evesham, as ‘insensitive.’
Matt Snape, Reform Party UK candidate for the Evesham South seat on Worcestershire County Council, said the council’s decision to begin the roadworks as the town is reopening following the third national lockdown was badly timed, and represented how out of touch they are with the people of Evesham.
He added: “Whilst I support the principle behind the Port Street roadworks, which will add many improvements to the street in the long-term, I cannot believe how badly timed and insensitive these roadworks are towards the people of Evesham.
“The people of Evesham have witnessed many shops in this town disappear since 2008, and Worcestershire County Council have done nothing to support Evesham’s infrastructure following their announcement that the Port Street roadworks will take place.
“Evesham needs support right now and its shops need a confidence boost following months of closure due to the third national lockdown. This move will not bring many people into the town’s shops.
“It is also poor timing on the Conservatives’ part. Do they want to lose this election?
“Worcestershire County Council have proven yet again how out of touch they are with the people of Evesham
In response, a Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said: “Improvement schemes of this nature have to be planned 12 months in advance of work beginning on site. This is to help co-ordinate contractors and utility companies and to obtain permission to carry out necessary road closures.
“These works are part of a wider programme of Town Centre and Highway improvements. Pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained throughout the works although road closures will be required at times.
“We have liaised with local residents and businesses ahead of the changes coming in and this will continue as the scheme progresses. A clear timetable for the scheme is available to view on the schemes dedicated pages of the County Council website.”
