A31 drain repair works 'causing chaos'

Paul Clarke, managing director at The Caravan Company, has spoken out about reduced trade and heavy traffic as a result of the ongoing works near Wimborne.

As reported, National Highways asked road users to avoid the area on Friday afternoon as Openreach began repairs on the dangerous carriageway box.

But while repairs had only begun that morning, Paul said that bollards had been placed outside his business back on Wednesday, September 5.

Read more: Drivers told to avoid A31 near Wimborne over faulty manhole

Paul had since been chasing Openreach and National Highways to uncover a start date for the proposed works.

Paul said: “A contractor came today [Friday], and they’ve assured me that the team is coming back Monday morning to inspect it and the road should be open by close of business on Monday.

“If I hadn’t kicked off, they could’ve been here for weeks.”

The Caravan Company wasn’t the only business to have its entrance blocked by bollards.

The neighbouring Starbucks and Esso filling station were also blocked for “safety reasons” ahead of the repairs.

Paul said: “When they do this kind of roadworks, they’re supposed to notify the local businesses. That was never done. When bollards are put out, there has to be a permit board put out. That was never put out.

“It’s complete incompetence.

Read more: A31 delays at Wimborne due to traffic lights out

Drain works on the A31. Image from Paul Clarke (Image: Paul Clarke)

“It has caused absolute chaos for my business. It’s been a complete nightmare to be honest.”

Paul also said that there had been problems with temporary traffic lights implemented as part of the works.

He said: “On Monday afternoon, the traffic lights on both ends were stuck on red. I was out there for two and half hours flagging traffic on.

“I even flagged a policeman through, and he didn’t stop to see what was going on.

“I thought what am I doing? I’m standing here, endangering my own life just to keep traffic moving.”