Massive diversion avoided (From Stroud News and Journal)

Massive diversion avoided

STEPS are being taken to clear up confusion over a ludicrous 20 mile diversion that was planned while a short stretch of Slad Road was closed for roadworks.

Rather than send diverted drivers all the way to Birdlip, council bosses have issued a statement reassuring locals access will be largely unaffected and people who know the area will be able to get about using Lansdown Road, Folly Lane and the backstreets of Uplands.

The work is being done in two stages, from Gloucester Street to the to where the road narrows for traffic calming then from the cross-roads outside the Fountain Inn to Peghouse Rise.

John Roberts, operations manager for county highways, said the furore over the diversion had been a storm in a teacup and local motorists had never been expected to use the 20-mile diversion to access their homes.

"Work will only take place on one section at a time so that if work is taking place at one end, access will be available for residents at the other section," he said. "While the temporary surface is in place, motorists and pedestrians are advised to take care.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but local roads can be used as a diversion." He said the Birdlip route was still the official diversion.

"It is a through road and we have to take into account the traffic that uses it," he said. "The last thing we want is articulated lorries using the back roads to get through." The work will begin next Monday and should be finished on Thursday.