It is clear from the HaveYourSay website that customers living in or close to the Ombersley/Doverdale areas are aware of planned water mains replacement work that is due to start this summer. This work is necessary to enable us to secure long term water quality and supply security for our customers in this area.
We are aware that recent notification of traffic restrictions related to the work have caused some local concerns and this was clearly expressed at a recent public consultation meeting held on 23rd April at Ombersley Memorial Hall during which time our design and build contractor's proposals were outlined.
Although we have been in consultation with various local parties and the Local Highway Authority for some time, and following on from the public consultation meeting, we now believe that the proposals communicated have not sufficiently taken into account both the need to carry out the works safely with the need to minimise disruption to traffic and the local environment.
As a result, we have now temporarily suspended the scheme, to allow a rigorous re-evaluation of those elements of the project that involve traffic disruption. We will carefully consider what other options may be possible and practicable to allow us to carry out the work safely whilst reducing, as far as possible and practicable, the impact upon road users and the local community.
We are starting this re-evaluation now and will contact customers in the area again before the end of May 2009 with the results. Our intention is to move forward with a plan that better reflects the needs of the local community. We recognise that we will not be able to please everyone but we are committed to responding, as far as possible, to the concerns that have been raised.
Yours sincerely
Fraser Pithie
Senior Operations Manager
PA - Niki Platt 02476 853707
Posted by webmaster at May 8, 2009 12:13 PM