Wessex Water has this week defended its decision to shut a busy Burnham-On-Sea road for four months following criticism from some local residents.
Love Lane is shut from the junction of Stoddens Lane and the Tesco roundabout until 19th May while Wessex Water lays new sewer pipes.
Several residents have got in touch regarding the length of the work. One reader, Gerald Cage, told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: “Love Lane closing for four months is an absolute joke. I’m sure this work could be done a lot quicker.”
“Why is the council allowing them to close this for so long? If this work was done abroard it would be completed in a week. A closure for four months will affect the trade in the town. Why are they not working at night to do this work.”
Responding to the comments, Wessex Water spokeswoman Lauren East told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We aim to complete every scheme as quickly and efficiently as possible and our work to lay new sewer pipes along Love Lane is no exception.”
“Due to other services and utility cables being by the side of the road we are having to close Love Lane to lay the pipes within the road.”
“Not all workers will be digging holes or operating machinery, there will be banksmen on site who are responsible for directing machinery and guiding machine drivers safely around other utility cables buried within the road. Workers may also sometimes be waiting on deliveries to arrive which are needed to reinstate the road following the excavation.”
“As there will be some noise disruption during our work and it’s a residential area we are working within the daytime to minimise any inconvenience and disturbance to customers.”
“A full diversion route is in place throughout the works and access is still available to all local businesses. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these essential works and thank residents and motorists for their patience.”
