Redditch MP backs calls over road closure delays - The Redditch Standard

Redditch MP backs calls over road closure delays

Redditch Editorial 25th Sep, 2017   0

REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has backed calls for local authorities to be able to fine developers if their work overruns, closing roads for an unreasonable amount of time.

Her support comes after local County Councillor Robin Lunn raised the issue at last week’s full council meeting at County Hall.

The Labour councillor for Redditch North has been engaged in a battle with Taylor Wimpey and Barratts after they closed Church Road – an important Webheath thoroughfare – for sixth long months while they built a new housing development.

The road should have re-opened on July 3 but this date was continually put back until it finally opened on September 9.




Taking up their fight, Coun Lunn was astonished to discover the county council, despite being the highways authority, was unable to fine or sanction developers causing disruptive overruns.

He was so angry he raised the issue at County Hall, where his plea won the backing from the Cabinet member for Highways, Coun Alan Amos (Con, Bedwardine).


Coun Amos also backed his call for local residents to able to claim compensation for being continually inconvenienced if work over ran.

“As an opposition councillor I was very happy with the response from the Cabinet member – for him to agree with everything I said is quite an achievement.

“The residents of Webheath have been driven to distraction by this road closure and I know this is something that is affecting residents all over the country.”

However to fine developers would require a change in the law, to which Redditch MP Rachel Maclean, who has been in touch with Webheath residents, said: “ “I am well aware of the disruption caused by over-running utility and road works, especially when roads are closed.

“In terms of the potential to fine companies, I do think this is a situation that needs looking into, especially when any disruption is exceptional.”

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