Alleyway Closure Work ‘A Shambles’

Residents have branded delayed work which has closed a well-used footpath in Market Harborough for over three weeks ‘a shambles.’

National Grid began work renewing electricity cables in the alleyway between Stuart Road on the Southern Estate and Welland Park Road shut on August 12th.

It should have been completed on August 23rd in time for the new school term starting, as the route is used by many students who attend Welland Park Academy.

The closure is causing inconvenience for pedestrians

Pedestrians are facing a de-tour of around 15 minutes while the path is shut, but it should re-open on Monday.

The electricity supply company has been fined by Leicestershire Council because the works have over-run and has apologised, blaming the delay on difficulties with a sewer pipe in the same area.

Near-by residents say workers were on-site for just a few hours on some days when the work started and some pedestrians have ignored the closure, dodging deep holes while walking along the path.

Paul Edwards lives adjacent to the alleyway on Welland Park Road and spoke to HFM:

Work is continuing

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien has called the situation ‘unacceptable’ and contacted National Grid and Leicestershire County Council.

Temporary traffic lights have also been in operation on Welland Park Road during the work.

A National Grid Electricity Distribution spokesperson said: “We have been carrying out some reinforcement work in Market Harborough so that we can continue to provide a safe and reliable electricity supply.

“Work has taken longer than we expected due to some engineering difficulties.

“We apologise for the disruption this has caused.

“We will reopen the footpath on Monday 9 September and would like to thank the local community for their patience.”

A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council said: “We have worked closely with National Grid to ensure that work on the footpath linking Welland Park Road and Stuart Road is finalised as soon as possible, with the safety of the general public as our priority.

“In response to works in question, fixed penalty notices have been issued to National Grid.

“The Council issues fixed penalty notices following The Street Works Regulations.

“National Grid anticipate that the footpath will be back in use on Monday 9 September.”