MP is told gas works remain on schedule

Peter Luff discussing the three year programme with Brian Wilkins, National Grid’s Construction Operations Engineer, in Droitwich. (s)

DROITWICH'S MP Peter Luff has been reassured that work to replace old gas mains on a busy route into the town is on schedule.

Mr Luff met representatives from the National Grid last Friday (February 10) following complaints from local traders on Tagwell Road and Worcester Road that the works were having a devastating impact on their trade.

And while Mr Luff praised the company for their 'extensive' communications programme he reiterated his concern about the adequacy of the compensation arrangements for smaller businesses.

"I am clear, though, that National Grid went to great lengths to communicate their intentions successfully to the majority of those affected.

"I am also broadly happy with the progress of the works themselves. The company explained how they had been taking forward the works in the town since mid 2009 and that they were on schedule to complete them as they had planned.

"They also explained why periods when nothing was happening were inevitable, for example while the concrete being used cured, only after which could the surface be reinstated," he added.

National Grid chiefs told Mr Luff there was one further planned road closure which will be put in place between the town's private hospital and Victoria Square and the Worcester Road works should be completed by March 19.

But he added: "I remain very concerned about the adequacy of the compensation arrangements for businesses affected by gas main replacement.

"The rules are set down in legislation, I understand, and I will be looking again at the possibility of getting changes.

"Sadly, though, local businesses will have to make claims under the current, inadequate rules," Mr Luff said.

The MP also confirmed he had been contacted by residents who were angry about the poor state in which roadside verges have been left after the works

Mr Luff raised the matter with the company and was informed the work had not been forgotten and would be done when the weather was more suited to levelling earth and reseeding grass areas.

"If there are areas where pavements and verges are in a poor state after gas main work, I urge local people to let me know.

"I will pass on their concerns to National Grid to ensure that everything is put back to its original state before the company completes its work in the town," he added.