IT has been claimed that road closures in and around Ludlow will result in ‘chaos’ as the tourist season moves into full swing.

Andy Boddington fears that south Shropshire faces gridlock.

“Get ready for closure of the A5 overnight for three weeks,” said Andy Boddington.

The A49 will be shut at Onibury 24 hours a day for ten days. Drivers will be directed via Kidderminster and Bridgnorth and the main exit from Ludlow town centre will be blocked for three days, so HGVs and coaches will be sent over Dinham Bridge and Whitcliffe.

“South Shrewsbury is already often gridlocked as the “hamburger” – served without fries – is installed at Meole Brace and Reabrook roundabout is resurfaced," added Councillor Boddington.

He says that it is not just road travel that will be affected.

“Arriva Wales is stopping trains between Shrewsbury and Crewe for five hours just because there is a football match on. That’s on top of two weekend line closures,” added Andy Boddington.

“On Saturday (June 3), the last train to Crewe from Shrewsbury will be at 6.25pm and the next one is not scheduled until 11.30pm.

"The direct train from London to Shrewsbury leaves Euston at 18.23pm gets in at 20.55pm. Unfortunately, if you want to travel on to Ludlow, you will have to sleep on the station until the 7.10am bus on Sunday morning.

“This is truly a “chaos” of closures.

“Beginning furthest from Ludlow, the A5 will be closed overnight until July 7, with a 40mph limit during the day, between the Mile End roundabout at Oswestry and the Churncote roundabout near Shrewsbury.

“There are rail closures planned between Hereford and Shrewsbury for two weekends, June 17 and 18 and June 24 and 25. For these at least, replacement buses will run.

“The level crossing at Onibury has been troublesome for a good while, with weekend and overnight closures for essential work. Now it is going to be closed 24 hours a day from July 1 to July 10 for repairs. This work is for safety.

“The real problem is the diversion. Network Rail is proposing that traffic is diverted from Woofferton, via Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.

“That’s a 57-mile journey taking 1 hour 33 minutes, compared to the usual journey up the A49 of 31 miles taking 44 minutes.

“There is an alternative route via Culmington that has been used before. It was, for example, used by Highways England while resurfacing the A49 last year. This is just two miles longer than the A49 route.

“This diversion would disturb the residents of Culmington village. But the route via Kidderminster could damage the economy of towns along the A49, including Ludlow, that benefit from passing trade. Indeed, this is the diversion that Network Rail wanted to use.

“There is one more road closure planned. Again, it will hit Ludlow’s trade.

“Brand Lane will be closed for three days from Monday (June 5). This is the main exit from the town centre and the only one suitable for HGVs and coaches.

“The plan is to divert traffic along Dinham and over the Whitcliffe. That is frankly crazy.”