WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has urged the county council to carry out a swift U-turn to help save Malvern businesses from losses through the winter trading period.
Worcestershire County Council has pressed ahead with plans for a major road closure along the A449 in Malvern which will see the major link to Herefordshire and the Malvern Hills shut until next April.
The MP has called for the introduction of a one-way traffic system and longer working hours to speed up the delivery of the project.
The work has been scheduled for the winter period, but work will only be able to proceed during daylight hours to protect local bats.
The work schedule also allows for a stopping of work entirely during the Christmas period.
Businesses are already reporting a serious impact on trade and the MP has written to Worcestershire County Council to share the impact assessment it carried out on the local economy as a result of the closures.
Dame Harriett said: “I have heard evidence from local businesses, including one major supermarket, that takings are down in Malvern and this major road closure is already having a serious impact on the local economy.
“I am extremely concerned that the council carried out no consultation or an impact assessment before scheduling the work and the bizarre choice to put bats before business beggars belief.
“The council also needs to immediately implement a one-way traffic system, revise the work plan and ensure longer periods of work to speed up the delivery of this project.
“The county council should be all it can to protect hard-working business people and at this late stage, ensure that common-sense solutions are in place.”
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “These essential works are being carried out to repair a collapsed retaining wall that supports the A449 at Wells Road. The work is critical to the long-term safety and stability of this important route.
“The scheme was carefully scheduled for the autumn and winter period to avoid the busy summer tourism season.”
The council added that the road closure was advertised in advance and diversion routes put in place.
“Due to the scale and complexity of the repair, it is unfortunately not possible to safely manage the site under single-lane or traffic-light control. The site is significantly constrained including steep slopes and limited working space, meaning crews must work in sequence and in daylight hours only.
“We appreciate the understanding of local residents and businesses while this vital work is completed, and our contractors are working extended hours to finish as soon as possible.”
