A Welsh council has explained why it is “necessary” and “critical” that they dig up a town centre street barely three months after it was resurfaced with money received from a UK Government grant. King Street in the centre of Carmarthen was closed off in late September last year for resurfacing work after Carmarthenshire Council secured £500,000 through the government’s shared prosperity fund in order to carry out major improvement works in the town.
That work was completed and the street was fully re-opened for vehicles, however the street is now closed off to traffic once more – this time for two months. Since Monday (January 6), the one-way road, which is home to businesses including Wetherspoons, Co-Op, and several independent shops, has pedestrian-only access while Wales & West Utilities carries out “emergency gas works”.
Some people posting on social media reacted to the timing of the most recent King Street closure by calling it “absolutely shocking”, a “joke” and a “waste of money”. However, the council has insisted the work is “urgent” and that digging up a recently resurfaced street is “unavoidable”.
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Despite the previous works being paid for by the shared prosperity fund, the council has not confirmed how much money was actually spent on the project, or how much will be spent to facilitate the new works being carried out over the next two months. For the latest Carmarthenshire news, sign up to our newsletter here.
“Due to essential and safety critical emergency gas works being carried out by Wales & West Utilities, there will be a temporary road closure in place on King Street from 6 January to end of February,” a spokesman for Carmarthenshire Council said. “The works are necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of the gas supply in the area. Unfortunately, these works affect a recently resurfaced road, which was unavoidable given the urgent nature of the situation.
“We recognise that this road was recently closed for resurfacing, and we understand the inconvenience this additional disruption will cause. However, these mandatory works, being carried out by Wales & West Utilities, are crucial for the safety and continued reliability of the gas supply in the area. Despite the road’s recent upgrade, the nature of the situation requires immediate action.
“We understand the frustration that this may cause to residents, businesses and road users. Where possible, we will do our best to facilitate access to delivery vehicles. Please be assured that we are working closely with Wales & West Utilities to complete the necessary works as quickly as possible, with the aim of minimising the overall disruption and impact on the new road surface.”
The entrance to King Street in Carmarthen -Credit:Media Wales
King Street is scheduled to be fully open once more by the beginning of March, but the council has warned the disruption could linger beyond that. Announcing the closure last week, the council said: “Notice is hereby given that the Carmarthenshire County Council intend, not less than seven days from the date of this notice, to make an order the effect of which will be to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along the entirety of King Street, Carmarthen.
“Pedestrian and vehicular access to individual properties will be maintained where possible throughout the duration of the closure. All local businesses will be open as usual along King Street and the access to St Peter’s car park will remain unaffected. There will be no alternative route to King Street, however deliveries will be accommodated where possible and contact must be made with Wales & West Utilities directly to request delivery access.
“The proposed order will continue in force until works to upgrade gas pipes, carried out by Wales & West Utilities, have been completed. It is intended that the works will commence on January 6 until February 28. Where appropriate temporary road traffic regulation orders may continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months.”
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