Framptons director slams A39 closures
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
By Chris Tindall
THE CLOSURE of part of the A39 in Somerset was introduced without consultation with hauliers and has caused massive cost implications, according to Framptons Transport.
The complaint from deputy MD Richard Fry came as the council attempted to put a positive spin on the vital drainage improvement works, saying the road between Minehead and Williton would reopen ahead of schedule next week. No alternative routes were made available for LGVs, meaning deliveries had to be made in a convoy of slow-moving traffic in the morning, before drivers became stranded for up to two and a half hours until the road opened temporarily
in the opposite direction (CM 14 November).
"We offer a next-day delivery service to customers," explained Fry. "If the customer wants one pallet, we are obliged to deliver it. There's a massive cost implication." Somerset County Council said the drainage work had progressed so well that the
road reopened on Monday 18 November.
"While every effort has been made to minimise the disruption caused, we appreciate that some will have been inconvenienced.
"Hopefully, this work will prevent emergency closures in the future," said councillor Harvey Siggs.