Summer of roadworks planned

Motorists are to face delays on roads around Walsall this summer when a £1 million project to replace ageing gas pipes gets under way.

Main routes in Bloxwich, Brownhills, Walsall Wood will have temporary traffic lights or be made one-way when National Grid Gas steps up its work.

From Sunday, the A461 Lichfield Road at Shire Oak, which is used by 16,500 drivers daily, will have a one-way traffic system between Salters Road, in Walsall Wood, and A452 Chester Road for six weeks.

Commuters heading towards Lichfield will have to endure a two-mile diversion via Brownhills Road, Lindon Road and the Chester Road.

Businesses have raised concerns about it.

Adam Bunting, of driving school British HGV based in Lindon Road, said: "We are worried about the impact of these gas works because we are a lorry driving training school and we do attract some passing trade.

"If this is going to be a one-way, lessons will take longer. We will have to compensate clients for that."

Traffic from Lichfield towards Walsall will not be affected. But there will be no access into Lindon Road from Chester Road which will have temporary traffic lights. Commonside's junction with Lindon Road will also be closed.

Gas works will also be done in Portland Street, Walsall for two weeks from Sunday. Temporary signals will also be in Mellish Road.

By Deborah Stewart