UTILITY companies working in Ludlow and south Shropshire face prosecution of they do not do the job properly.

Shropshire Council has warned utilities companies carrying out work on the county’s roads not to breach the terms of their highways permits, and to carry out work safely – or face possible legal action.

Utilities companies can apply for a permit from Shropshire Council which allows them to carry out work on the public highway. Permits will specify what work can be carried out, when, and when it must be completed by.

To minimise disruption to local residents and road users the utilities company must abide by the terms of their permit and must work safely without putting residents at risk.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, has said that the council demonstrated its resolve following an incident last year involving BT.

“The BT incident in Wem was one of a number of recent examples where the terms of a highways permit have been breached, or work carried out unsafely, causing problems for our residents,” he said.

“This also leads to unfair criticism of the council as people mistakenly believe that we are responsible for the resulting inconvenience and congestion.

“We’ll ensure that we do all that is necessary to stop future breaches – and we will take further action through the courts if necessary.”