Utility firm Severn Trent has denied it has been told to halt its works in Stoke-on-Trent to allow a ‘safer plan’ to be developed. Crews have been working around Sneyd Green, Birches Head, Hanley, Burslem, Smallthorne, and Tunstall since April last year as part of a £25m project to lay almost 24 miles of new pipes, says the Stoke Sentinel.

However, the scheme has seen roads shut, restrictions brought in, and gridlock on various key routes. The latest phase has seen temporary lights running on the busy Leek New Road through Sneyd Green.

That has resulted in long delays in both directions with nearby roads also congested.

Today Sneyd Green ward councillor Laura Carter has announced Stoke-on-Trent City Council has ‘formally requested that Severn Trent cease work’. This has been rejected by Severn Trent.

Councillor Carter says all works currently underway will be completed but no new works will be started. In a Facebook post she told residents that any sections in progress will be completed and roads re-instated.

It comes as Sneyd Green has reportedly been granted a three-month break from roadworks. During that time Severn Trent and the council will be drawing up a fresh plan to complete the remaining works.

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