Top Cross closure will be shorter than feared
12:37pm Friday 25th July 2008
TOP Cross in Ledbury will only be closed for a maximum of four weeks, half the time previously expected.
The news came during talks between Ledbury Town Council and Welsh Water in the Market House on Wednesday.
Mayor Keith Francis said he was glad to hear that the closure, which will take place in the New Year, will be shorter than previously thought.
Welsh Water’s contractors will work seven days a week and ten hours a day to get the work done quickly.
Cllr Francis said: “I’m very pleased about that. There will be disruption, but less than expected.”
Preliminary works at the Worcester Road approach to town are set to start on Monday, December 29, and they will last for one week.
In this time there will be a two-way light-controlled traffic along the Worcester Road.
Top Cross will close to traffic on Monday, January 5, and will remain closed until January 29.
Talks have begun with emergency services to discuss access for police, fire and ambulances.
The present proposal is that access to and from the Worcester Road will be gained via Bank Crescent and Knapp Lane.
A meeting will be held in early August involving contractor First Traffic, Ledbury traders and the town council, to discuss the arrangements for rad signs during the closure.
An all-day public consultation meeting is set to take place in September at a venue still to be decided.
Cllr Francis said: “People will be able to call in a see what the plans are.”
Welsh Water’s contractors, Laing O’Rourke, will be working in The Southend from Monday, August 4, to Friday, August 29.
The road will have two-way traffic, controlled by traffic lights, in that period.
Cllr Francis said: “Obviously, there will be parking restrictions in the Southend and motorists will be advised to park at the John Masefield High School.”
He welcomed the fact that this work would take place during the summer holidays.