A38 Kempsey: Call for public inquiry into roadworks

Work to widen part of the A38 in Kempsey started in October 2022 and was due to take six months.

But the scheme, which includes the provision of a filter lane and refuge islands, is still going on.

Cllr Martin Allen, whose Croome division includes Kempsey, has written an open letter to council leader Simon Geraghty asking for the authority to investigate.

The roadworks have been going on for close to a year (Image: Martin Allen)

“I request that Worcestershire County Council carry out a public enquiry into the works that have taken place on the A38 in Kempsey,” he wrote.

“I would ask that an enquiry take place as soon as possible to find the reasons why this work, that has been carried out by a contractor, employed by Taylor Wimpey Homes, has gone so badly wrong.

“Even though this is a private construction, it is being carried out on the public highway.”

Cllr Allen said the roadworks have caused “misery and inconvenience to the residents of Kempsey”.

“Currently, the programmed six nights of overnight closures of the A38 has just had to be extended by another two nights,” he said.

“Have they run out of Tarmac, or is the newly constructed road not wide enough?

“Residents are now suffering 24-hours on continued noisy work adjacent to their properties. This must be absolute torture for them.

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“Kempsey Parish Council were against this work. I am yet to find a resident who is in favour of the work.”

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council, said: “The Main Road (A38), Kempsey scheme is being carried out by Shannonside on behalf of Taylor Wimpey.

“The works have taken a little longer than anticipated, but the local member and officers are continuing to engage with the developer and contractors.

“The scheme is now in its final phase, with a series of night road closures for resurfacing taking place next week on the A38.”

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “We apologise for the delays to the completion of the highways works on the A38, which have occurred as a result of unforeseen circumstances. 

“We are aware of the disruption that the works are causing and are working closely with Worcestershire County Council to complete the works as soon as possible. We currently expect all outstanding work to be completed on Friday, September 8.”