Roadworks block residents

Herefordshire residents returned home from holiday only to find they had no vehicular access to and from their property.

Shaun and Emma Jones who live in Letton, near Hay-on-Wye, got back after a fortnight away to find a letter from Herefordshire Council informing them of planned roadworks on the nearby A438.

Mr Jones said the map provided did not show that roadworks would take place in front of their home.

But last week, Mrs Jones tried to leave her home only to find they had no access to and from their property.

“We’d been away for two weeks so we had nought but a crust and an apple in the place,” Mr Jones said.

“My good lady wife attempted to leave our property to go to the shops only to find that we have no access to and from our property.”

He said they called highways contractor Balfour Beatty to seek advice but were not given much help.

“We are advised that we have no right to access to our property under such circumstances and that the fact that my wife is self-employed and requires access to our property every day for deliveries and to take items to Post Office to mail out is of no consequence.”

He said they were also told “well, other businesses like pubs have to manage, so why should it be any different for you”.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson apologised.

“We are investigating the concerns that have been expressed and apologise if the caller felt their needs were not dealt with satisfactorily,” he said.

“Road closures are a last choice and only put in place for the safety of the public and our workers. We write to local businesses and residents in advance of all planned road closures and we do seek to understand and mitigate, as far as possible, any impact our work may have on them.

“Residents and businesses within road closures have right of access to their properties, but may be subject to delay depending on the type and location of the works taking place.”