Concrete barriers to be installed on Newark rat-run

Concrete barriers will be installed on a Newark road after drivers were moving temporary bollards designed to prevent its use as a rat-run.

Residents living on Harewood Avenue have seen motorists stopping at the barriers, getting out of their vehicles and moving them to the side before often driving up the pavement and continuing their journey.

The barriers were installed to prevent drivers using the road as a cut-through following delays caused by sewer improvements at the Albert Street and Boundary Road roundabout. The work is being carried out by Severn Trent, as part of a £60m, four-year project to protect homes from sewer flooding.

The temporary barriers, situated at the junction with Southend Avenue and Dunholme Avenue, have often been left on the pavement, sometimes in front of people’s homes.

There is a sign at the start of Harewood Avenue which clearly informs drivers that the road is closed.

Mrs Laura-Jo Webster, who lives on Southend Avenue, said drivers flouting the signs and moving the barriers was a daily occurrence.

“Sometimes you’ll hear screeching brakes and they almost career into the barriers,” she said.

“We’ve even seen two old ladies get out of a car and move them.

“At least three to four times during the evening this will happen.

“They drive up the pavement. Potentially they could hit a pedestrian.”

'Really disappointed'

Following complaints, Severn Trent said it would introduce a permanent solution by the end of the week.

A spokesman for Severn Trent said: “The existing barriers were put in place after concerns were raised by local residents and we worked closely with local councillors, highways and police to take swift action.

“We’re really disappointed that motorists are either ignoring the barriers or moving them, so we’re now installing concrete replacements.

“These are due to be in place by the end of this week and will stay until the end of August while work continues at the Albert Street and Boundary Road roundabout.

“Our project in Newark is a really important one that will protect the town from flooding for future generations. We’d like to thank local people for their patience while this essential work continues.”