A LEDBURY rat run could be reopened several months earlier than expected.

But not everyone is welcoming the news, and one of Ledbury’s Herefordshire councillors Peter Watts says a solution will need to be found over the level of traffic in Knapp Lane.

Work is already well-advanced on repairing the wall at the Knapp Lane/Homend junction, and the likely May date for the re-opening of the link between the Worcester Road and the Homend was revealed by fellow county councillor Liz Harvey.

This is about two months in advance of some earlier estimates.

The damage to the red-brick wall was caused by the pressure of earth from a garden abutting the junction, and a programme of works was agreed last month between the householder and Herefordshire Council.

The junction has been closed to cars since last autumn.

Coun Watts said: “I’m pleased the issue of the wall is resolved. It was a problem that needed sorting out.

“But I am still concerned over the level of traffic and I think the Knapp Lane residents are of the same mind.”

Former Ledbury mayoress and Bank Crescent resident Melanie Lane previously feared there would be accidents in the narrow street.

She said: “The wall looks very smart; it’s a brilliant job, and the reopening of Knapp Lane is bound to lessen traffic through Bank Crescent, where we’ve had cars slaloming in and out of parked vehicles.

“There have been no accidents I know of, but cars are still mounting the pavement, so it hasn’t been ideal.”

Knapp Lane resident, Janet Clegg said its reopening would be a welcome relief for Bank Crescent residents.