TEWKESBURY News
Tewkesbury is open for business
2:43pm Wednesday 8th February 2012
TEWKESBURY is very much open for business – that’s the message from Gloucestershire County Council as essential roadworks progress.
Work to improve the safety of the high street is expected to finish early April and resurfacing will take place near the end of April.
The scheme aimed to make the high street safer for pedestrians was developed in partnership with Tewkesbury Town and Borough Council, Gloucestershire County Council.
The main part of the safety scheme was set to begin on Monday, February 6, and a new puffin crossing and extended the pavements was completed at the end of last year.
At the end of January this year, work also started on the second crossing outside M & Co.
The council has written to local residents and businesses to make them aware work is starting soon.
The High Street will remain open to traffic during the work and contractors will be on site between 7.30am and 5pm with no work currently scheduled at weekends.
A project group set up with representatives from the Town and Borough Councils, County Councillors, community groups, Chamber of Commerce, Gloucestershire Highways and the contractor will meet fortnightly and discuss any issues that arise.
While the work is taking place, a notice board in the Town Hall and the library will display information about the scheme and explain how the work has been phased in the programme.
The notice board will also include a weekly progress bulletin and contact information for anyone with any questions.
Richard Waters, Gloucestershire Highways Manager, said: “We realise that these works can be disruptive to local residents and motorists but we would ask for their patience as we make these much needed improvements to the centre of Tewkesbury.
“Hopefully when the work is complete everyone will see the benefits of this important scheme.”
Councillor Vernon Smith, local member for Tewkesbury, said: “The project group was an idea that I put forward as I believe it will deal with the concerns and issues that will inevitably arise.
“Local shops and businesses are understandably concerned that these works are putting people off coming into the town and it is important that we announce that Tewkesbury is open for business.”
If anyone has any concerns or they want more information they should call 08000 514 514.