A "COLLAPSE of the hillside" has led to long-running roadworks on the main route between Malvern and Ledbury.

As we reported last week, temporary two-way traffic lights on the A449 Wells Road near the British Camp Car Park have been causing delays for months.

And the restrictions have not just been affecting traffic but also residents in the area who are waiting for a fast broadband roll-out.

The Worcestershire County Council website says the restrictions have been in place since May 12 and are set to be removed on Thursday, November 30.

But it appears the investigation and completion of "complex repair works", with temporary lights installed to "protect pedestrians and motorists", may take some time yet.

Local resident Finley Giles, aged 21, an administrative officer, said: "There are more problems being caused by the roadworks than traffic delays - though they do make you late as well.

"It's a complete and utter joke.

"They are trying to roll out fast broadband but it has caused issues with the work being carried out.

"They cannot roll out the broadband until highways get this sorted out.

"Fingers crossed, everything can be sorted out so they can put lights further up for the broadband work."

Mr Giles said Gigaclear is looking to install the broadband with many of the properties affected in Herefordshire County Council territory.

He continued: "When you open up an email there can be a delay. The speed can be around 5 to 6 (megabits per second) but at its worst it is 0.1 to 0.5.

"It's really important that we are able to get faster speeds around here.

"There has already been a 10 to 12-month delay because of Covid and other issues.

"We are now concerned we might miss out altogether. If they are not able to do it now then how long will it be before they come back?

"It probably affects at least 12 properties."

Mr Giles added he was told a car colliding with a wall had caused the problems on the hillside.

Councillor Mike Rouse, the county council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said:

“The deployment of temporary traffic lights on the A449 Wells Road is a safety measure to protect pedestrians and motorists following the collapse of the hillside and damage to the road.

“The temporary lights will stay in place whilst we investigate and undertake complex repair works on the hillside and road.”