A councillor says she hopes that Anglian Water will change some of their plans for roadworks after its officers met with residents this week.
After 40 burst pipes in the last fiver years, it is carrying out a £4.2m upgrade of 11 miles of water pipe in Gedney Hill.
Work has already started but a number of closures are proposed especially around North Road.
Coun Laura Eldridge says she’s been contacted by residents and businesses concerned about the closures including farm vehicles will be unable to get around during the harvest season.
She called for the meeting which took place at Gedney Hill Memorial Hall on Monday (June 29) and saw about 40 attendees.
She said: “I would like to thank the team from Anglian Water for taking the time to meet with residents and listen directly to their concerns regarding the upcoming works and road closures.
“The meeting was worthwhile and provided a valuable opportunity for residents, businesses and the farming community to raise their concerns and discuss the impacts. I hope the discussions held will have a positive impact and help to reduce disruption wherever possible.
“Following the meeting, Anglian Water have taken a number of points raised away, including agreeing to speak with highways at LCC to discuss the plausibility of changing the proposed North Road closure dates currently planned from July 27 to August 28.
“This change could make a significant difference for local businesses, including Springfield Farm Campsite, The Pantry at Gedney Hill, North View Lakes and the Golf Club, allowing them to maintain access during one of their busiest periods of the year and reducing the impact on trade. It would also help avoid disruption during the harvest season, which is particularly important for our local farms and farmers.
“I will continue to work with residents and liaise with Anglian Water to ensure that the impact of these essential works is kept to a minimum. Coun Eldridge added that she was ‘disappointed’ that a representative from
Lincolnshire County Council’s Highways department hadn’t attended despite being invited.
A spokesman for Anglian Water said of the meeting: “We attended the meeting to share more about our £4.2 million investment programme for water mains renewal at Gedney Hill, including how we’ll deliver this important work.
“We shared how we will carry the work out in sections to ensure not everyone is impacted at the same time, and how we’ve carefully planned it around things like school access, local businesses and the harvest to keep disruption as low as possible.
“We will continue to work closely with the parish council, local businesses and the wider community for the duration of the programme, and found value in speaking to representatives in the local area.”
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