UNDER-PRESSURE county council chiefs have defended a delay to roadworks at a congested Pershore junction which saw contractors down tools for almost three months, provoking anger from local residents.
Work is set to resume to install four-way traffic lights at the junction of Station Road and Wyre Road to accommodate traffic from the new homes onto Station Road after a delay which saw contractors working for Persimmon Homes leave the site on December 21.
Highways chiefs told the Observer the break was put in place to enable other scheduled highway works in the town to be completed but admitted they appreciated residents’ frustrations at the delay.
“We have tried to alleviate these where we could by improving lighting, accessibility and reducing noise in the area,” the spokesperson said.
“We also insisted on the installation of the semi-permanent traffic lights, which have allowed the junction operate much more effectively during the break in the works. We will continue to work with Persimmon regarding the ongoing roadworks and traffic management affecting the junction, until the project is finally completed.”
The delay provoked outrage from residents who claimed they have been exposed to sleep deprivation for a total of 81 nights.
In an open letter to county council chiefs and Persimmon bosses, seen by the Observer, resident Noel Harasyn lambasted highways bosses for allowing contractors to walk away.
“Persimmon Homes South Midlands committed in a letter last June to complete the roadworks during the period from August 28 to December 21,” he said.
“Temporary traffic lights are still in place, road surfaces are unfinished, traffic barriers and other roadworks paraphernalia are scattered around the site along with half-finished sections of islands.”
“The main reason for writing this open letter is the erection of new lamp posts which led to the installation of temporary gantry lights and high-noise, diesel generators which have run throughout the night since December 21.”
Mr Harasyn claimed there would be no need for the generators had contractors remained on site to work on the street lighting during the daytime.
“The residents have been and continue to be exposed to unacceptable noise and vibration levels throughout the night. This situation has continued for 81 nights and the council demonstrates no urgency regarding the matter,” he said.
“The laissez faire attitude and approach to the control of the Persimmon contractors and the country council’s disregard for the neighbourhood’s health and well-being as a consequence of inaction, requires immediate resolution.”
A spokesman from Persimmon Homes South Midlands, said: “Persimmon Homes has agreed a plan with Worcestershire County Council and can confirm the roadworks and traffic management affecting the junction are scheduled to be finished within the first week of May.”
