Diversion headache as road is closed

Drivers in South Staffordshire face traffic headaches and diversions of nearly a mile down small residential streets as roadworks close a major junction for 10 days.

Staffordshire County Council today warned that temporary traffic lights are being be set up along Histons Hill in Codsall.

The resurfacing work starts on July 21 directly outside the offices of South Staffordshire District Council.

Road closures will be in place on the approaches to Histons Hill and Elliotts Lane, with diversion routes signposted. The diversion will take drivers from Birches Road along Suckling Green Lane, a detour of almost a mile.

People trying to go up Elliotts Lane will instead by diverted through Bilbrook along residential streets such as Bilbrook Road.

Traffic on Wolverhampton Road will be controlled by two-way temporary traffic lights while four-way lights will be set up at Birches Bridge, near Bilbrook train station during morning and evening peak hours.

Darren Bradburn, owner of sportswear shop Bradsports, said: "It's the first I've heard about it and I think we'll all be devastated.

"We rely on passing trade here and we won't be able to get that if people are avoiding the area.

"It's a difficult time with the credit crunch and with our rates and rents being so high."

Highways chiefs at Staffordshire County Council have issued a leaflet to homes in the area which reads: "The programme has been co-ordinated to coincide with the school holidays.

"Access to homes will be protected, however, there may be specific times when we are surfacing directly outside a house when restrictions will be inevitable."

Drivers trying to turn into Birches Bridge shops will have to rely on traffic marshals to get them into the car park while bus passengers will have to use temporary stops which are being set up along the road.