Roadworks will be completed before Christmas festivities (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Roadworks will be completed before Christmas festivities

SANTA Claus will come to town after all now that traders have learnt they will not have to cancel Stow-on-the-Wold's Christmas festivities because of roadworks.

Stow Chamber of Commerce had warned it might have to cancel its annual late-night Christmas shopping evening on Saturday, December 6, if roadworks prevented shoppers reaching town.

Thames Water will dig up the A429 Fosse Way, between the Unicorn Hotel and the A424 junction, to replace a troublesome water main.

It was feared the work, due to start on Monday, November 3, would be ongoing during the event but is now scheduled for completion on Friday, November 28.

Gloucestershire County Council has consequently postponed the second of four phases of carriageway repairs it is conducting there.

Stow traders claimed they lost business during September when the first phase deterred shoppers from visiting town.

Phase two was due to start on Monday, October 27, and last about 20 days but will now begin in January.

Chamber president, Philip Brown, welcomed news that Thames Water would finish before the event which will involve Santa Claus, shops staying open late, Christmas lights being switched on, Stow Primary School children singing carols, fire eaters, stilt walkers, a torch-lit procession, brass band and other attractions.

He said: "While the traders aren't happy with the disruption, it's essential work and has to be done.

"It will hopefully be completed before the end of November, which we were initially very concerned about.

"We've been discussing this for a number of weeks and they now fully understand our position.

"They promised us it will be done a little quicker."

Thames Water spokesman, Liz Almond, said it must be completed before Christmas.

She said: "We appreciate the concerns of the residents and traders.

"Replacing the main will lessen the likelihood of leaks or bursts.

"The road isn't going to be closed. There will be two-way traffic lights."

Council divisional operations manager, Chris Franklin, said the authority usually minimized disturbance by doing roadworks alongside the utility companies.

He said: "Unfortunately, in this case, it has not been possible because the different types of work are incompatible."