Yesterday, I visited the new Lidl supermarket in Coleford. This new store will make a great addition to the town and I shall be writing about my experience on its opening day at a later point. However, while I was visiting the store, a number of constituents approached me regarding their concerns over the planned closure of parts of the B4228 in Coleford for essential resurfacing work.
At least some, if not most, of the concern has arisen due to less than ideal communication from the County Council. After my visit to Lidl, myself and local Councillor, Carole Allaway Martin, contacted Gloucestershire County Council at the highest level and raised these concerns directly. As a result of our intervention, Cllr Vernon Smith, the Cabinet Member in charge of Highways, has apologised for the communication failings and is writing to local residents and traders over the coming days with much clearer information on the resurfacing plan. I have posted a copy of his letter with this Facebook post.
As I understand it, Gloucestershire Highways are planning on resurfacing the B4228 between Coleford Town Centre and the junction with the A4136 (Robin Hood Junction) from Tuesday 4th August to Thursday 3rd September.
The road will not be closed for the whole of that period. Only between 0930 and 1530, Monday to Friday. Outside of these times the road will be open. Unfortunately, the work can’t be done overnight as the road is so close to residential housing.
Also, the whole length of that road will not be closed for the entire period of work. Gloucestershire Highways are planning on carrying out the work in phases and only have one brief full length road closure planned for mid-August.
There will clearly be some inconvenience, but it is important that this improvement work goes ahead. The road is currently in a very poor condition. If the work is not done now, it is unlikely that the road would be resurfaced at all this year. Cancelling the work would also cost taxpayers’ money.
In regard to blue light services, if an ambulance, fire engine or police car needed to access the road during the closure they would be given access and the work would stop.
If any resident has any specific issues during the road closure, they should contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514514 or email highways@gloucestershire.gov.uk