Hauliers rail at roadworks y Chris Tindall
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SERIOUS disruption caused by a road closure in Somerset has led to hauliers threatening to launch action against Network Rail for hundreds of thousands of pounds in compensation.
Ongoing bridge strengthening repairs on the A371 in Castle Cary, which started on 8 July and are due to last 19 weeks, have shut down a critical transport route and led to 32-mile detours for LGVs.
Haulage firm Framptons, based in Shepton Mallet, estimated the disruption had cost it £300,000 on just one contract. Deputy MD Richard Fry said he intended to claim for compensation.
"It is totally disregarding the disruption caused," he said. "Compensation doesn't even deal with the environmental impact.
"There have also been four accidents so far along the alternative routes." Derek Chant, driver-trainer at
Peter Green Chilled, also in Shepton Mallet, said the matter was with its solicitors: "We have 300 crossings a week by our fleet on that bridge. So yes, there's been major disruption.
"There are still up to 20 lorries a day [from other operators] going down there, ignoring road signs and getting stuck."
In response, a Network Rail spokesman told CM: "We will discuss any claims with individuals affected."