Further roadworks have begun on a key road near Stafford where a 2,000-home development is being built.
Daily Focus reported in November that businesses were worried that road closures on the B5066 Sandon Road would have a negative impact on their trade.
Four weeks of roadworks were in place as part of the new Bloor Homes development north of Beaconside.
New works on Sandon Road, approved by Staffordshire County Council, were due to start yesterday (5 January) and continue until the week commencing 6 April. This phase includes the construction of drainage and utility infrastructure required for the development and to facilitate planned highway improvements along Sandon Road later in 2026.
A single-lane road closure will be in place during this period, prohibiting southbound traffic travelling from the A51 towards Beaconside. Road users should use an alternative, signposted route.
On Beaconside, works focussed on the installation of drainage and utility infrastructure will begin on 13 January and run until the week commencing 20 February.
The works will take place between the junctions of Paton Drive and Sandon Road. Temporary traffic signals will be in operation to maintain traffic flow, with traffic management adjusted as required throughout the programme.
A Bloor Homes spokesperson said: “The decision we took with the county council to deliver both sets of works concurrently will significantly reduce the overall duration of disruption for residents and road users.
“The wider development will not only help Stafford Council meet its home building targets and infrastructure needs but will also provide substantial financial contributions totalling over £28 million.”
Chris Lewis, a director of The Dog & Doublet Inn, in Sandon, previously voiced concerns about the works.
The independent, family-run country inn with 11 bedrooms has issued travel advice to guests planning to visit over the next few weeks on its Facebook page and is offering 20 per cent off food, Monday to Friday in January and February, to people who join its mailing list.
