Great news for motorists: End to traffic chaos as lights are removed

A series of temporary traffic lights placed near one of Hednesford's busiest junctions have been causing chaos for the last three months.

Four-way lights stopping traffic on Green Heath Road, Station Road, Cannock Road and Market Street, to allow for electric cables to be laid, are due to be removed today.

Michelle Whittaker, who has run Pure Hair and Beauty in Cannock Street for six years, said: "It's affected our business a lot because our car park leads on the road and customers cannot get on and off due to the heavy traffic.

"The traffic lights are directly outside the salon and when I came into work yesterday morning at least three cars were blocking the entrance.

"It does put people off and it's been particularly bad over the last three months.

"The lights can be up for two or three days, then they're taken down and a week later they're back up again.

"We've had no communication, letters or anything to tell us what's going on."

A 44-year-old mother of two, who lives in Green Heath Road but didn't want to be named, said the road works had been an 'absolute nightmare'.

She said: "Everywhere I need to go I have to pass through this junction and its adding on ten minutes a time every time I get stuck in the lights.

"We are having to leave much earlier on the school run, otherwise we end up being late.

"We are also taking massive detours to avoid the junction altogether.

"Often, at the busiest times in the morning and evening, I can't get off or on to my drive due to the cars queuing waiting for the lights to change.

"I am left sitting there waiting for the traffic to start moving again before I can get onto my property.

"I realise work has to be carried out but surely there must be a better way to control the traffic than this.

"Or the work should be suspended during the busiest periods to avoid this massive build up of traffic.

"The businesses at the junction must have had enough with cars parked outside constantly. I know the residents living along here have."

Stef Cunningham, chairman of Traders of Hednesford Town Centre, said businesses were happy the roadworks were finishing d before the busiest trading time of year.

She said: "It is affecting trade and customers who have been coming into town have commented on the inconvenience and delays.

"But we have to appreciate it is work that needs to be done.

"It's a temporary thing and although there has been little communication it will be completed before we get to the really busy trading season."

County Councillor Mark Deaville, cabinet support member for highways and tTransport, said: "The four way signals have been in place since February 1 and will be removed today as planned. These are works being carried out by a utility company laying ducting for an electric cable, and we have been monitoring the works closely to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum."