RESIDENTS and businesses in Tonedale have been left confused by conflicting messages from Network Rail over a major road closure which will cut them off from the rest of Wellington.

The Station Road bridge over the main railway line was set to be closed 24 hours a day for nine weeks from September 7 to November 6 while Network Rail carries out steelwork repairs both trackside and roadside.

But last week Network Rail delivered letters to homes in Tonedale announcing the road would be closed from August 17 to October 19 between 7.30am and 5pm.

And in the same letter it said night-time closures would also happen from 11.45pm to 8am on a series of weekends starting on August 8 and ending on October 25.

Confusingly, the rail infrastructure company also said it would use traffic lights to control one-way flows of vehicles between 7.30am and 10am and from 3pm to 6pm on weekdays from September 7 to October 7.

Then, to confuse matters even further, a road closure sign appeared on the bridge this week stating the road would be closed from yesterday (Thursday).

Town councillor John Thorne said: “You almost could not make it up, the way Network Rail has caused utter confusion for residents and businesses not just in Tonedale but also for the many other people in Wellington who need to use this road to travel toward Milverton.

“And that is not to mention the complete absence of any consultation with the town council by Network Rail or the county council, which approves road closures.

“It makes you wonder if they are capable of organising the proverbial drinks party in a brewery.

“Their letter gives a 24-hour national helpline number which is 03457 114141 and I suggest people call them to demand to know exactly what is going on.”