A furious pet shop owner has triggered action from those responsible for long-running roadworks on a busy route between Preston and Longridge.
Paul Read, of Alpa Pets within the Roman Way Industrial Estate, declared he ‘had enough’ of his business being crippled by ongoing works to upgrade electricity supplies in the area.
On Monday morning he released a three-minute video as he tried to get an explanation into why the barriers remained up when works had not been taking place at the junction of Longridge Road and Roman Way since Friday.
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Mr Read, who has been based at the site since 2008, tries to ask a worker from JN Civils – who is sat in his van having some food – when the barriers will be removed. Mr Read said his issue was not with the individual workers but with those in charge.
The stretch near Roman Way has seen on and off roadworks and temporary lights for the past 18 months.
The video, which has been widely shared and seen tens of thousands of views, has drawn a response from Electricity North West who are responsible for the works and also Lancashire County Council who hold responsibility for the planning and timing of roadworks.
On Tuesday afternoon it was reported the temporary traffic lights had been removed, but they returned during Wednesday. Electricity North West confirmed to Blog Preston they were now only being operated during off-peak times and ‘turned inwards’ during busy periods instead to try and improve traffic flow.
A spokesperson said: “Work continues to progress on site and we’ve now been able to reduce traffic management so it is in use from 10am until 3pm. Temporary traffic lights allow teams to work safely in the highway and all work was agreed with the council in advance.”
The electricity firm confirmed works are due to be completed by Friday (17 July) as planned.
Mr Read called for the highways authority to explain the level of disruption drivers and bus passengers had experienced over the last two years due to the frequent roadworks along Longridge Road – as he outlined how often no work was taking place but traffic lights and barriers remained in place. He said his business had been severely affected with customers put off trying to get to his shop due to often hour long delays.
County councillor John Clemson, lead member for Highways and Transport deputising for the cabinet member this week, said: “We have been working closely with our partners to coordinate these works while minimising disruption wherever possible as part of an essential electricity mains upgrade to help ensure continued reliable power supplies for businesses in the area.
“This important investment will support the local network for years to come, and we would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while these works are carried out.”
In the video Mr Read also revealed his business rent is due to go up 65 per cent year-on-year, in the unit he rents from Preston City Council.
A city council spokesperson when asked about Mr Read’s claim and comment said: “‘We do not comment on individual negotiations with tenants in our commercial properties.”
