Residents Reopen Road After Severn Trent ‘No Show’
Written by HFM News on 10th November 2026
Severn Trent Water is facing criticism after Western Avenue in Market Harborough was closed to traffic, despite no work taking place.
The road was cordoned off on Saturday morning, leaving residents and motorists facing disruption and some businesses reporting a loss of trade.
At least some were forced to close, while The Royalist pub faced dinner bookings being cancelled.
Councillors David Page and Simon Whelband also visited the site.
Harborough MP Neil O’Brien has branded the situation “outrageous”, while frustrated residents eventually moved the road closure signs and barriers, allowing traffic to flow again.
Councillors David Page and Simon Whelband also visited the site.
Cllr Page said Severn Trent’s teams had been diverted to deal with an emergency elsewhere, but the road remained closed for several hours, causing considerable inconvenience and financial losses for local businesses.
He said the water company had a permit to close the road until 4pm on Sunday and that the council would be holding it to that deadline.
Cllr Page added that he understood emergencies could change work schedules, but said leaving a major local road closed when the planned work was no longer going ahead was “simply unacceptable”.
Neil O’Brien MP will be seeking an apology from Severn Trent.
Severn Trent Water have been approached for comment.
