The President's View - August

Released On 2nd Sep 2015

As I write, work has commenced on the Horsey Roundabout roadworks.  There was very little open consultation opportunity, or lee-way from contractor Somerset County Council Highways (SCCH), on the scheduling of the work with any of the affected agencies such as SSDC and Chamber.  Notice was served on 27th August 2015 - just two days prior to the August Bank Holiday weekend, with the work starting on the Tuesday following the holiday weekend.

I have already been contacted by SSDC and several Chamber members.  I am bitterly frustrated by this ill-timed and highly disruptive work, which will make life extremely challenging for everyone in Yeovil, especially our business sector.  Although the work has already commenced, I am trying to convene an action meeting with affected agencies, to demand a consultation with SSCH to change the timing, and/or break the works down into stages, to minimise disruption.  I am also consulting the legislation to see if SCCH have failed to give sufficient notice.

For the future, I will ensure that Chamber is regularly briefed by SCCH, in the same way as we are briefed quarterly by SSDC, in order to minimise future such disruption for our members.  In addition, Chamber will be keeping a close watch on the appropriate SCC website section.

Complaints at http://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-transport/road-closures/road-closures-within-south-somerset/, and go to the ‘contact us’ link at the foot of the page.  Alternatively; contact the Highway Service Manager (Yeovil), Neil McWilliams, at: countyroads-southsom@somerset.gov.uk and is based at South Somerset Area Highways Office, Mead Avenue, Houndstone Business Park, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8RT.  You may also like to copy in Somerset County Chief Executive, Patrick Flaherty at PFlaherty@somerset.gov.uk.  If the level of representation is high enough, SCC may well think twice when planning similar works in future.

I would urge everyone affected by this to keep a positive mindset, in order to avoid putting even more people off coming to Yeovil.