Sewer work set to ease

UNION Street is set to reopen to two-way traffic to minimise disruption over the festive period.

United Utilities has been carrying out major work to install a cover for a new sewer chamber.

But the project will now be finished by tomorrow as part of efforts to schedule construction to enable the road to temporarily reopen both ways.

The suspension of work has been timed so that Christmas and New Year shopping traffic can enjoy easier access to town-centre sites, including the Spindles Town Square shopping centre and associated car parks. In addition, King Street remains fully open to two-way traffic.

The huge project this week required a crane capable of lifting up to 80 tonnes to be used on the site.

The new cover — 26ft in diameter — came in three sections and had to be transported to the road on two lorries.

Councillor Dave Hibbert said: “As part of the ongoing infrastructure and Metrolink preparation works we are committed to trying to schedule the activity of contractors in order to minimise disruption to shoppers and commuters wherever possible.

“This temporary reopening should prove a welcome boost to town-centre trade for the remainder of the Christmas and January sales shopping period.”