'I just hope businesses will pull through after the roadworks,' says Willenhall councillor
Motorists will soon be able to return to two-way travelling in a town centre near Walsall as long-running cycle lane works roll to a new phase.
Ongoing roadworks in Willenhall for major railway and cycle lane projects left traders suffering a severe dip in takings. Businesses say a sea of orange-and-white traffic cones, ongoing road closures, one-way routes and traffic diversions for work to build the new railway station off Bilston Street and to install a cycle lane between New Road and the A454 Keyway Island have been putting off shoppers for months.
Now councillors representing the town have said the work in New Road is expected to come to an end by the end of the month, however, work in Somerford Place where there are ongoing issues with delays and congestion between the Pinson Road island and The Keyway is scheduled to run until the end of November.
Willenhall South representative Councillor Simran Cheema said: “As roadworks in Willenhall town centre have progressed, I remain deeply concerned about the ongoing impact on our local businesses and traders. I have held a series of meetings with senior officers at Walsall Council to press for further support. This has included calls for compensation packages, visits from the business engagement team to identify what additional help can be offered, access for blue badge holders and traders along Stafford Street on market days, and the creation of a long-stay car park on Wolverhampton Street.
"Although the council has stated it has no legal obligation to provide compensation, I have formally requested that they liaise with the Department for Transport to establish whether financial support could be made available. Work is progressing well on New Road and is expected to conclude by the end of September 2025, but delays at Somerford Place remain a serious issue.
"I will continue to push for every possible measure to support our businesses during this difficult period. Behind the scenes, I am doing a lot of work to try support the town centre, but ultimately Walsall Council needs to step up. In the meantime, I urge residents to shop local and support Willenhall’s traders as we soon head into the crucial Christmas season. The community spirit is immense in Willenhall and I hope businesses will be able to pull through.”
Council leader Mike Bird has apologised for the inconvenience caused by the two different sets of roadworks, which have seen several hundred yards of safety barriers installed along the two main roads and some side streets.
He said the clash was due to government funding for the new cycleways, which must be spent in the current financial year or be withdrawn, and added the schemes will bring long-term benefits.
As part of the rail development project the B4484 Bilston Street will be closed to traffic overnight from 8pm to 9.30am on Saturday (September 13) into Sunday.
