Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is extending a one-way closure of Welham Road, in Norton from today (Wednesday 30th September) closing the St Nicholas Street diversion route and forcing motorists to divert 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 for two weeks.
It means an 8 mile diversion to reach Malton and Norton from Welham Road which has angered local people who say they have had little warning.
Conservative councillor, Keane Duncan, is now urging North Yorkshire Council to step in and revoke the roadworks permit until an alternative plan can be agreed.
“This level of disruption is entirely unacceptable,” said Cllr Duncan.
“Northern Gas Networks are acting totally contrary to the plan agreed at the outset of the works – and to add extra insult have given our community less than 24 hours’ notice of the change.
“The change leaves residents of 500+ properties on Welham Road and adjoining streets effectively cut off, and told to access Malton and the rest of Norton by travelling eight miles via Langton, which is the official signed diversion route.
“We know that many people will inevitably use Bazeley’s Lane instead, but this is a route that is subsiding and single track. It is an entirely unsuitable route for the expected high volumes of traffic and this is a major safety concern.
“This is a situation NGN promised would be avoided in advance of the works commencing. It is disappointing that they appear to have broken their word and with woefully short notice.”
Stewart Whitehead, Site Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We’re pleased to have reopened Church Street and thank residents and businesses for their patience while we completed this phase of our essential work.
“Due to the location of the railway, to enable our essential work to proceed safely, it has been necessary to extend the road closure on Welham Road to the Springfield Garth junction for approximately two weeks.
“We recognise that the extended diversion will mean some journeys take longer and customers should allow extra time to travel and follow the signed diversion via Langton rather than using Whitewall or Bazeley’s Lane.
“Following the traffic management in place is essential to protect residents, road users and our teams while we complete this work and secure a safe, reliable gas supply for Norton for years to come.”
For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: [email protected].