Villagers' anger as road still shut after collapse

Villagers said the road closure was causing disruption and affecting businesses

Villagers have been left frustrated as a road remains shut two months after a culvert collapsed.

The unnamed road between Cardington and Stone Acton, Shropshire, was closed in November following the collapse.

It has meant people travelling to and from Church Stretton have had to divert via Gilberries Lane, which was described as being in a poor state and not designed to take heavy traffic.

Shropshire Council said it was giving "due regard and priority" to the repair work, which is expected to start in the summer.

Steve Oldham, who runs the Royal Oak pub in Cardington, said the closure was affecting his business.

"We need people to be able to get in but since the road has been closed, we've seen a tangible drop which is obviously affecting us financially," he said.

The road has been closed since the culvert collapsed in November

Anne Jennings, who works for the Boultons of Shropshire coach company, said the diversion via Gilberries Lane was "costing a lot of money".

"Gilberries Lane has also got a lot of potholes and is having a knock-on effect," she added.

Councillor Dan Morris, highways cabinet member on Shropshire Council, said the storms in recent years had "placed additional strains on the county's drainage infrastructure" due to significant rainfall.

The replacement of culverts were "carefully considered" to ensure they were fit for purpose and the need for additional funding could often cause delays, he added.

Mr Morris said: "It is anticipated works will be undertaken in the early summer, subject to the appropriate consents being obtained.

"The council is therefore giving this aspect of the project due regard and priority."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.