‘Disaster’ traffic caused by supermarket works in Leamington

Warwickshire County Council has now begun a seven-week roadworks scheme costing £2.8 million to enable access to the new Morrison’s store at the former Ford Foundry site near Princes Drive.

But within a few days of the works beginning, traffic chaos has already gripped motorists in the area. Leam Terrace resident Nigel Robinson was so disgusted with what he saw as he was driving towards Leamington from Myton Road this morning (Wednesday) that he felt impelled to call the Courier to voice his frustration.

He said: “As far as the eye could see, Princes Drive was filled. As I turned into Park Drive alongside Victoria Park and into Avenue Road, the line of cars continued all the way to Spencer Street. Nothing was moving.

“What annoyed me the most was that there was no sign of anyone from the council or the police to control the traffic.”

Mr Robinson, who passed the Princes Drive area shortly after 9am, said he saw many cars with children in them - who he presumed were late for school.

He said: “Yesterday evening my wife took 20 minutes to get from the Kingsley School in Beauchamp Avenue to Myton Road and someone else I know took half an hour to get from Warwick Street in Leamington to the Moorings off Myton Road. The traffic is going as far as Warwick.

“The local authority needs to do more than put up cones and leave the traffic to it. There is nobody taking control. These roadworks have brought on a disaster.”

Richard Bailey, project manager for design services at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Two-way traffic is being maintained through peak hours which have been extended to incorporate the school run. Outside of peak hours traffic signals will be used only as and when required by the works. We are aware of congestion, particularly around Princes Drive and we are constantly monitoring the situation.

“Unfortunately our contractors are unable to work outside normal working hours and overnight because of noise restrictions. Road closures in other parts of the town mean we are unable to set up a diversion route until early November.

“Motorists need to be aware that journeys will be delayed and are advised, where possible, to build extra time into their travel plans. We apologise for the inconvenience, but this is the only way we can complete the works on schedule.”

Have you been caught up in traffic in this area? Do you have a solution to the problem? Email [email protected]