RUMOURS that a newly-resurfaced road in Sedbury could be ripped up for cable installation to a nearby solar park have been refuted – instead the pavement will be dug up.

Traders in Beachley Road, who have already been affected by the week-long works last month, described the work as preposterous and said pedestrians won’t be able to reach their shops.

Gloucestershire County Council says it has been reassured by Green Energy International Limited that access will be maintained.

Phil Cameron, traffic manager at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Electrical cables for the new solar farm are currently being laid by Green Energy Ltd in Beachley Road. The company has put up some temporary traffic lights to protect their workforce and keep the road open to vehicles.

“We’ve recently resurfaced the road so we’ve asked them to lay their flexible cables under the wide footpath. They’ve promised that access will be maintained to the local businesses while they do their work, and this is expected to be complete by December 9.”

Contractors also plan to close Sedbury Lane, in Sedbury, in sections for electric ducts to nearby Tump Farm between December 12 to January 29 with the road remaining open during Christmas.

Shane Tyrell, of Sedbury Butchers, said: “The resurfacing works have just finished and then we heard that it could be taken up again after just 10 days of being down. The initial reaction among the traders was naturally shock.”

He added: “Now we have been informed by the workmen that the pavement will be dug up near the shops, which is absolutely preposterous as it’ll mean nobody can get to us. We definitely don’t want that.”

Cheshire-based Green Energy International Limited, which is working on behalf of the landowner David Guest, says the work will entail installing electric ducts and is part of a plan which could power more than 1,250 homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2,150 tonnes a year.

In 2014 Mr Guest said the 32-acre solar park could help secure the future of Tump Farm that has been in his family for more than 70 years.

A spokesperson at Green Energy International Limited said: “We are aware resurfacing works have completed in Beachley Road and are working with the contractors to make sure the road will be restored to its current condition.

“We can’t close Sedbury Lane in one go so this will be done in sections to minimise disruption. We are told by the county council when we can and cannot begin works; this was the earliest date we were given.

“I have checked with our contractors and there is roughly 180 metres of footpath alongside Beachley Road that will be dug up – and restored – this is at the council’s instruction. I completely understand local residents are concerned.”