MP Demands Compensation For Traders Affected By Road Closure

There are calls for businesses to be compensated for lost trade because of the continued closure of a road near Wistow.

Network Rail has halted work to replace a bridge on Newton Lane until a new road design can be approved by Leicestershire County Council, meaning the four-month closure due to end on March 1st is likely to be extended.

Work has been halted on the bridge upgrade. Pic: Neil O’Brien

The closure of the route between Fleckney and Wigston has led to businesses based at Wistow Rural Centre seeing less customers visiting and drivers left frustrated.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien has written to the Chief Executive of Network Rail:

Gavin Crook, principal programme sponsor for Midland Main Line Electrification, said: “We are very sorry for the disruption which the vital bridge work is causing to the local community.

“We know how frustrating this can be and are committed to complete the work as soon as possible.

“We’re working hard with local stakeholders to finalise the programme to finish the job.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We do all we can to support local businesses during our work.

“We would urge any businesses who wish to make a claim to contact us so that this can be properly assessed.”

Access to the area has been further restricted since near-by Station Road was shut in December, after a van driver struck a bridge causing serious damage – repairs are continuing.