Risbygate Street road sign mix-up causes confusion in Bury St Edmunds

A road sign mix-up caused confusion for motorists and shoppers.

On Monday signs were erected at the top of Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, saying the road was closed until June 6.

Work is under way at the far end of the road near the Parkway roundabout for the installation of a drainage connection and a new manhole.

The signage led to to motorists and some shoppers avoiding the road until town business support organisation Our Bury St Edmunds stepped in to point out the error to Suffolk County Council, who then worked with contractors MDS Civil Engineering to clarify the situation.

New signs were erected on Wednesday stating that it was in fact only 'the road ahead' that was closed, and not the whole road itself, which can still be used for access only.

The new signs also pointed out that it was 'business as usual' after some shopkeepers noted a downturn in deliveries and footfall.

One shopkeeper said he had only discovered the works were going ahead on Friday and the closure and signage had been 'badly handled'.

A full diversion is in place along St Andrew’s Street North, A1302 Tayfen Road and Parkway.

Risbygate Street can still be accessed by motorists from St Andrew's Street North.

The work is not connected with the removal of the cycle lane wands, for which a date has yet to be set.

"They should really think about removing the wands at the same time," added the shopkeeper.