DELAYS on the Abbey Bridge rebuilding project could mean the 10-week full closure planned for the summer will take place later than scheduled.

Hold-ups mainly caused by recent wintry weather could have put the project back by up to three months. The news was revealed at VECTA’s (Vale of Evesham Commerce and Tourism Association) annual meeting by a civil engineer from Hochtief, the contractors building the bridge.

Tony Rowland, chairman of VECTA, said: “Members were informed by Hochtief that a combination of poor weather conditions and flooding had provisionally put back the planned summer closure of Abbey Bridge.

“Recognising the rebuild of the bridge is absolutely necessary, members did, however, voice some concern over not being informed of this delay and that no date could be given at this time.”

The news has left many people angry at the lack of communication from Worcestershire County Council, with residents and businesses in the town who have been making contingency plans for when the bridge is out of action, wanting to be better informed.

Town councillor Jim Bulman said: “It is a major worry for the traders. We are being treated like mushrooms by the county council.

It is a lack of communication.

They seem to think they can ride roughshod over the people of the town.”

The news comes as the Journal launches a new campaign to support the town while the rebuilding project is taking place.

We will aim to send the message that the town is well and truly open for business despite the disruption, support local retailers and keep residents up to date with everything they need to know while the scheme is in operation.

However, council chiefs have denied the delays will mean a change to the schedule.

Councillor John Smith, county council member for highways, said: “He (the Hochtief engineer) said it was about a 12-week delay.

Yes they may be behind but who’s to say they can’t catch up?

“We will do all we can to keep it on schedule. The bridge will not be closed for Christmas. We are not trying to hide anything. I can guarantee as soon as we know anything we will let them know.”

Peter Blake, head of integrated transport at the county council, said: “The scheme is still working to the original timeframe.

“A combination of the severe weather experienced over the winter and the meeting of planning conditions did mean certain elements of the work took longer to start than originally planned. It’s hoped changing parts of the work programme will accommodate these delays.”

Gerry O’Donnell, manager of Evesham Market Town Partnership, said: “I remain confident that whenever the bridge closes it will be managed as well as it can be.”

As well as one lane being closed on Abbey Bridge, there are also roadworks on a number of major routes into Evesham. Works on Pershore Road, Cheltenham Road, Offenham Road and the High Street are all affecting traffic flow.