Travel chaos in Leam

Roadworks in Leamington Spa are currently being undertaken by Severn Trent who are investing over £10 million to improve the sewer system.

According to their website this will protect 30 properties from sewer flooding, but will result in road restrictions for months.

The work involves several main streets in Leamington and has been split into five phases, starting in November 2012 and continuing until July 2014.

Severn Trent are currently in the third phase which is mainly taking place along the High Street, but with some work also being carried out in Forfield Place and St Mary’s Crescent.

Work on this area of Leamington is due to finish in November of this year, but it may take longer.

When this phase is completed, the sewage works will be moving east to Radford Road and are intended to remain there from December until March of 2014.

These road works have affected the U1 bus route from Leamington to campus.

The U1’s route through Leamington has now changed along with its timetable, affecting how students commute to and from the University.

Lai Kay Man, a second-year Biochemistry student, told the Boar: “The roadworks in Leamington have made the journeys getting to and from campus a bit longer than usual.

“Instead of getting on the U1 at a stop on Radford Road, I have to walk 15 minutes in the morning to the church.
“It is a bit of a pain.”

Max Van Der Post, a second-year Maths student, said: “It is annoying because the journey now takes longer. I keep being late for my lectures because the bus takes so long to get through all of the traffic in Leamington.”

Olivia McLaughlin, a second-year French and History student, told the Boar: “The road works affected a lot of my friends, who weren’t sure where to get the bus from or how long it would take to get onto campus at the beginning of term.

“It’s just been really inconvenient and has meant that what would normally be a simple journey from point A to B has become a complicated diversion in a place none of my friends know that well yet.”

On the other hand, David Linderman, a second-year Accounting and Finance student, who lives in North Leamington, has been largely unaffected by the South Leamington road closures.

He commented: “The road closures have not affected me personally, though I would say I hope they are closed for worthwhile improvements.

“Otherwise it would be better focusing on roads elsewhere where work is more needed.”