Wem High Street due to reopen ahead of event

Wales and West Utilities have been working under a road closure of the High Street since early February and are now nearing completion.

Works are scheduled to continue for another three to four weeks in the area and the full road closure on the main High Street will be removed as soon as possible this week, and in time for the Spring Market event at the Town Hall on Saturday.

Local councillors said Wem was very much “open for business”, and encouraged people to visit the town despite the road works.

Wem Shropshire Councillor, Chris Mellings, said: “We know this work has to be done and is taking longer than expected but Wem remains very much open for business.

“We hope people will still come into Wem to take advantage of our great shops, cafes and services, and of course there is still free car parking.

“This weekend sees the fourth Spring Market in the town, which is a great local event and not to be missed. The organisers have been working very hard to make it the special event it is – we hope people will come along to support it and the other shops we have here in Wem.”

Fellow Wem Shropshire Councillor, Pauline Dee, added: “I am so pleased that Wales & West Utilities have listened to the local councillors and community and have cleared the High Street so visitors and residents will be able to attend the very successful Spring Market and receive a warm welcome from the shops and local eateries.”

Leek Street will remain closed to road users, and temporary traffic lights will be in place on the junction of New Street and Aston Street. Access to New Street from High Street and Aston Street will be via a diversion route that will be clearly signposted.

This upgrade scheme is part of the Wales & West Utilities’ 30-year replacement programme, across Wales and the south west of England, where old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are replaced, providing the community with new plastic alternatives that have a lifespan of more than 80 years.