Roadworks cancelled at the last minute due to traders' concerns

Works to remove ageing gas pipes had been set to cause misery in Smethwick but gas company Cadent said it had now gone back to the drawing board just three weeks before it was due to start.

Phased works, which would have resulted in road closures and temporary traffic lights, planned along High Street and St Paul’s Road in Smethwick, were due to last until the end of April.

Cadent said the work would still happen but that the scheme was being ‘redesigned’ to try and minimise impact on traders.

Customers regularly park outside the shops, near Smethwick Library and the town’s main Gurdwara, while lorries travel down there to make deliveries.

Cadent spokeswoman Sara Wilcox said: “We are liaising with Sandwell Council about rescheduling work to renew gas mains in High Street, Smethwick.

“Work had been planned to start in early January. However, having reviewed the project we are now looking to redesign it, with the aim of reducing disruption to local businesses and residents and steering well away from other utilities in the ground, such as water pipes.

“New dates for the work will be discussed with the council. We will keep people updated.”

Sandwell Council’s roads boss, David Hosell, said the scheme had the potential to cause ‘a lot of headache’ for traders.

He said: “I don’t know what the rules are in terms of loss of trade but I’m sure traders will be asking those questions and I actively encourage them to do so.

“The utility companies should work with traders and people around there to make it as easy as possible.”

Amjad Ali, manager at High Food Store, admitted he was concerned about the impact of the work on his business when it eventually does start. He said: “There is no parking, we have to park on the side streets and there are already residents there. Business is tough as it is, when the roadworks start it will make it worse.”