Roadworks on a major route into Kirkby-in-Ashfield have been slammed by some residents and Ashfield District Council. One resident described the roadworks as "carnage", and with an Ashfield Independent councillor said they pose a "danger to life".
Essential electricity works by Western Power have shut part of B6021 Kingsway by Kingsway Primary School, with the road shut heading into Kirkby-in-Ashfield, but vehicles can still get through the other way. The diversion in place is about two miles or so, and goes down Balls Lane, up A611 Derby Road turning left onto B6020 Diamond Avenue.
According to Ashfield District Council, residents on nearby roads have complained about an increase in people using other routes as rat runs. Ashfield Independents would like to see a two-way traffic light system in place as work is set to continue for around six weeks. Some residents blasted the roadworks and the amount there are in the area.
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James Cliff, 25, who lives on Beulah Road, said: "It causes carnage, not just for this street but for the whole of the area. I've seen it where traffic has been backed up all the way to Derby Road, I've seen plenty of arguments taking place.
"Roadworks tend to come all at once and it just gridlocks. I have to say it's not as bad for us as it is for some streets at the bottom though.
"I think even traffic lights would not make a difference, you'll still get traffic backing up. I think it would be best to leave it as it is and for people to get used to it."
Ian King, 70, who lives on Bourne Avenue, said: "It's a bit of a nuisance if you're trying to get to the supermarkets. A taxi there normally costs £2/£3, but now it's costing £6/£7 as you're having to go all the way round.
"There are two no entry signs as you approach the roadworks, but I've seen people ignoring them and just carrying on straight through, they're not bothered. I've seen stand-offs with vehicles coming the other way.
"I am a bit concerned about them but it is what it is. Traffic lights could be better."
One resident says the traffic is not too bad though.
Christina Gregory, 71, who lives on Derby Road, said: "I walk my dog every morning and come up here. I do live further down, but if you have to go to the supermarket, you have to go all the way round.
"If I'm in a hurry, I will do the rat run, everyone does it but only if you know the area. But it's not like traffic is going through those roads constantly."
Ashfield Independent councillors have said the planning of the roadworks could be made much more safe. They are "demanding" that plans are revisited.
Kingsway councillor Dale Grounds, vice-chair of Ashfield District Council, said: "Residents have inundated us with complaints about the dangers that this work is causing. The poor transport planning at County Hall has led to chaos with gridlock and dangerous rat-running on nearby roads.
"This is just not just causing huge delays - the rat running is a serious danger to life. The misery is planned to continue for another six weeks and we need to look at alternative plans urgently."
Councillor Jason Zadrozny, a Kirkby Councillor and leader of Ashfield District Council, said: "With Kingsway Primary School and Kirkby College being nearby, the work by Western Power is causing real issues. Residents are worried that the chaos could lead to an a serious accident.
"This is not just a temporary measure - it's set to go on for 6 weeks. We have demanded that transport bosses come down to Kirkby to see for themselves the issues this is causing.
"They could have picked up the phone to local councillors and we would told them about the chaos this would cause. I appreciate that work needs to be done - we're not questioning this. What we need is for transport bosses to revisit their plans urgently."
Ashfield Independents want to look at alternative ways of easing traffic while essential works take place. Nottinghamshire County Council, the highways authority, has confirmed the roadworks will not be in place over the Jubilee weekend, and that options will be considered.
Conservative councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Nottinghamshire County Council's cabinet member for transport and environment, said: "We can understand the frustration of residents and road users in Kirkby-in-Ashfield at the delays caused by works being undertaken by Western Power. This is an essential reinforcement scheme installing new high-voltage cables to ensure local homes and businesses continue to have a reliable and safe connection to the electricity grid.
"Whenever works of this scale take place in a busy town centre such as Kirkby, disruption is inevitable. Our co-ordination team needs to allow these types of works to take place and do all they can to minimise impacts on road users, including ensuring that no other planned works take place on the surrounding roads for the duration of the scheme.
"Residents will be pleased to hear the traffic management is being removed for the jubilee bank holiday weekend and we're working together with Western Power to find the best and clearest solution for road users when the works recommence next week."
A spokesperson for Western Power said: "The works being carried out are essential and are an exact requirement from the highways authority. We apologise to anyone for any delays that are being experienced at this time."
