Villagers have shared stories of the barmy diversions and roadworks that drive them around the bend.

In one bizarre example, a 100-metre road closure sent motorists on a 15-mile detour. In another, four different diversions converged on the same small roundabout. 

B&NES Council’s Highways Chief, Kelvin Packer, said these unusual scenarios could be avoided in future by agreeing with residents on what routes work when diversions are necessary. 

Speaking at last month’s Chew Valley Forum meeting, Chair, Chris Head, said when there was a road closure in West Harptree, drivers were sent on a 14.9-mile detour through Bishop Sutton, Pensford and Chew Stoke, to reach a spot 100 metres away.  He said in Dundry, the temporary traffic lights were in place so long residents held a birthday party for them. And in a confusing case, Mr Head said four different diversions had converged on a single roundabout. 

Mr Packer said that was “clearly an error” and one he hoped would never be repeated. Hinton Blewett resident, David Duckett, asked why contractors do not work for as long as possible each day. He said he had witnessed them finish at 3 p.m. on a Friday and leave the traffic controls in place over the weekend, unnecessarily. 

Mr Head added that it seemed like roadworks could be fast-tracked in Bath when the Christmas markets are looming, but “out here we have work that would take a day or two, but because it’s a bit more gentle, things can take a bit longer.”

Mr Packer said he treats every road in Bath and North East Somerset equally, adding: “There’s a question around safe working hours. We changed our contractors at the beginning of April and are looking at the timing of roadworks. In 2020 we are looking at introducing a permit to work system – there will be much tighter controls.”

Contractors are required to give the council at least eight weeks’ notice for planned works, so it can coordinate different projects. They should put information boards out two weeks in advance, so people can see what is happening.

The council also cooperates with neighbouring authorities in Bristol, Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, but Mr Packer said officers could also learn from residents.

“There’s an opportunity for us to agree some standard routes – if we need to close a road, this is the route we will follow,” he said. “We need to find a way of communicating better with the community.”

Stephen Sumner, LDRS