Pub landlord slams Newbridge Road repair delays in Wrexham

The B5605 situated between Cefn Mawr and Chirk has been closed since Storm Christoph in January 2021. 

Extreme weather caused a landslide, which has since put the road out of action. 

Work has yet to start on the road, causing huge frustration for residents and businesses over the time taken for repairs.

£2.8m of Welsh Government funding was secured in April 2022, with hopes the road would be open towards the end of 2023.

A planning application was finally submitted in May by Contractors Jones Bros, but there has yet to be any update from the council on whether the application has been approved. 

Residents continue to ask questions as to when work is set to start and when the road will eventually reopen. 

Last week, the local authority explained why proposals had been put forward to reduce the speed limit on the road, despite it still being out of action. 

Pubby Mcpubface (Image: Google Maps)

But Peter Daniels, from Pubby Mcpubface (also known as the Newbridge Arms) spoke to the Leader about the "shambles" of the closed road and questioned the council over the new speed limit consultation.

Peter said: "I cannot understand why it's taken three and a half years for anything to happen. Especially when it's needed whenever the bypass is shut, with it being a trunk road. 

"It's just been an after thought after three and a half years.

"I'd hate to think how much it's cost us in trade as we don't get any customers coming from Chirk or Pentre way now because it's too far to come and too expensive in a taxi. 

"It's a shambles really, and that's a kind way of putting it. It's just ridiculous.

"It beggars belief that they can spend time and money on a consultation for a new speed limit on a road that you can't even drive on. 

"There's been no contact from the council about any of it and nobody even knows when the work is going to take place."

Wrexham Council were approached for an update on Newbridge Road repairs. 

In relation to the speed limit, Cllr Terry Evans, lead member for environment said last week: “The traffic regulation order has been prepared in anticipation for the newly repaired road which will carry a new speed limit to improve road safety and align with specifications for the new road design and vehicle restraint.

“There is a statutory consultation period accompanying regulation order proposals and this is what is taking place. 

“This is in line with the work that needs to take place with new engineering constructions of the size, scale and nature.

“The works are ongoing by the appointed contractor and as with any large construction scheme there are necessary preparatory works such as the planning approvals, regulation orders, public utility diversions, temporary accommodation works.”