Ledbury pub open as usual despite roundabout roadworks

Five-way traffic lights appeared on the Full Pitcher roundabout on Monday (August 1) as work began to connect utilities to new homes being built behind the pub.

The roadworks are causing delays both ways on Leadon Way, as well as on the A449 Ross Road, the B4216 and New Street.

Roadworks on the roundabout from the Full Pitcher's beer garden

And according to Herefordshire Council’s website, they will be in place until September 2.

Lynn Aust, landlady at the Full Pitcher, said the roadworks are affecting trade at the pub as it appears closed to passers-by.

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“It’s been chaos,” she said. “The roadworks appeared on Monday but we’d not been given any notice. We understand they have to do this work but in August? This is a busy time for us with people driving down to Wales and the M50.

“Passing traffic is our main trade for these six weeks. But I can hear them drilling into the road from here - people aren’t going to want to sit in the garden and listen to that.

Work continues to develop land behind Full Pitcher pub

“People call the roundabout the Full Pitcher roundabout, so if there’s something going on there people assume it’s something to do with us.

“But this has nothing to do with the business. And if you were a passer-by just going past, you’d think we were closed.”

Miss Aust, who has run the New Road pub for the past six years, said signs saying ‘businesses open as usual’ would help.

The roadworks are expected to be there until September 2

She also said that the building work taking place behind the pub has been “a nightmare” at times, adding “it was difficult to start with, but since we opened the new car park it’s not been too bad, since it’s all settled down”.

Work to build 93 affordable homes on the former cricket pitch behind the Full Pitcher started earlier this year.

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A shortage of building materials had previously hampered efforts to develop the site.

Housing association Connexus, which is behind the development, was awarded more than £3m in grant funding from Homes England for the project.

Amanda Knowles, head of development at Connexus, said: "Connexus is committed to bringing much needed affordable housing to the area and our development at the Full Pitcher in Ledbury will provide 93 homes for affordable rent, shared ownership and rent to buy.

"The scheme is due to be completed in summer 2023. We’re working with all parties connected with the development to resolve any issues and continue progress on the site."