Businesses in Camborne are calling on Cornwall Council to use its powers to stop “significant disruption” when more than one road is closed for works by utility companies.
A petition organised by BID Camborne – which represents businesses in the town – is gaining growing support after road closures in the town, including at two key junctions, have been impacting trade and traffic flow.
It comes at the same time as drivers were left fuming yesterday (Tuesday, March 31) when ‘carnage’ was caused by roadworks in Helston.
Helston resident Will Orchard shared a video on social media of a huge traffic jam, saying: “Well done Cornwall Council – this is the carnage you’ve created through St Johns and Almshouse Hill by closing Cross Street at the same time as the work continues on the ‘improvements’ to the roundabout at the bottom of town.”
Having started out online, the Camborne petition is proving so popular that paper copies are now being printed for anyone to sign.
“Utility companies are often bypassing the proper 12-week application for closures by classing infrastructure works as urgent, when in fact they are routine,” said Anna Pascoe, BID Camborne manager.
“This means, for example, that a broadband company can dig up and close a street one week with little or no notice, followed by a water company doing the same thing a couple of weeks later. It’s inefficient and costs businesses and local people considerable time and money.
“We want to see much greater adherence to the application rules and a ban on more than one planned road closure at a time – not just in Camborne but in any Cornish town.”
Businesses can sign the petition online by emailing smile@cambornetown.com with their business name, business address and contact name.
Paper copies are available in Wilson’s Café & Takeaway, Jojangles and Cornwall Air Ambulance, all located on Trelowarren Street.
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A spokesperson for the local authority said: “Cornwall Council coordinates traffic management on our road network in accordance with the Traffic Management Act 1981.
“The council is only able to refuse works if they directly conflict with each other – for example, where a road closure would affect a diversion route already in place.
“We work with contractors to try to minimise the disruption caused by roadworks, and monitor any works being undertaken to ensure they comply with the relevant legislation.”
We have also asked the council to comment on the Helston disruption.
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