Severn Trent respond over Stratford Road Sparkbrook street closure after 'chaos' complaints

The water firm described the work as 'very complex'

Severn Trent Water has apologised over a two-month road closure in Sparkbrook after furious residents said it was causing "chaos". Stratford Road, between Braithwaite Road and Kyotts Lake Road, has been shut since early August.

Excavation work was being carried out by the water firm in the area which it described as "very complex". Residents claimed they'd been told the work was originally set for completion before children went back to school last month.

But they said they were left furious after the reopening was delayed until Tuesday, October 8. Mum Zedania told us: "Every morning and afternoon, during rush-hour, there is chaos in the area.

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"Traffic at Golden Hillock Road, the A45, the Ring Road and around Bordesley Circus roundabout is at near-standstill. Getting to and from town is a mission - especially if you depend on public transport."

The mum said the work and diversions had cut off local transport links in Sparkbrook to those who rely on it the most. "How can somebody who is not able to walk manage?" she asked.

Another resident, who chose to remain anonymous, told us: "It's a nightmare in the morning and on the way home. The work has been going on too long now. I can understand people's frustrations; it's not good enough."

A Severn Trent spokesperson said: “We're sorry for the disruption the ongoing works in Sparkbrook are causing. Due to the number of other utility services that run under the Stratford Road, our excavation process was very complex.

"We also found a number of voids under the road, which had to be fixed to keep the road safe - all of which led to a delay in timing. Our teams are currently on site and working hard to complete what is a complex job as soon as possible.”