Talks are to take place this morning in an attempt to get the Highways Agency to carry out its promise to communicate and consult with those affected by the works on the M6 in the Short Heath and New Invention areas of Willenhall.

The move was insisted upon by Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Shires and his fellow Lib Dem councillors in Short Heath and Willenhall following a second day of cavalier action by the “Agency” which saw sections of the noise barrier fencing removed without the courtesy of a letter through the door to those affected warning them of the action.

“Yet again our ‘phones have been red hot with calls from concerned residents wanting to know what is happening” said Ian.

A couple of weeks ago a meeting took place between councillors, council officers and the Highways Agency where the importance of good communication was hammered home to and agreed by the “Agency”.

“As far as I’m concerned that meeting was a complete waste of time and effort” continued Ian. “The Highways Agency is a Quango only answerable to the minister with responsibility for our transport network, because of this they assume that they can get away with anything.

“Well that might be acceptable elsewhere but the people of Willenhall will not put up with been treated in this way” continued Ian angrily. “Today’s meeting will be a watershed. All that people are asking is to be treated with some respect. They deserve and expect information about something which is going to have a major impact on their local environment over the next few months” he concluded.