A LEDBURY haulage company, WSH Logistics, which is facing big problems because of the imminent closure of the Bromyard Road, says suggestions made by Herefordshire Council have been “ludicrous” so far.

The council has offered WSH Logistics, which is based on the Bromyard Road, the possibility of finding a suitable temporary premises, possibly free of cost, for the 13-week road closure.

But WSH Logistics believes its real concerns are in danger of being “brushed under the carpet.”

A Herefordshire Council email to the business states: “If the council is the landlord, then we may be able to offer it at a reduced cost, possibly nil cost.”

But the company has been unable to find a suitable location so far, on the list offered by the council, and the clock is now ticking. The road closure: which will come into effect on November 28 and last all winter.

Danica Ashman, the WSH accounts manager told The Reporter: “I have gone through the council’s website to look into their other locations, however there is nothing that would be suitable plus the costs with all of this would be rather pointless.”

These costs would include the need to get a new operators’ licence, because of a new temporary location.

Mrs Ashman said: "The process of getting an operator’s licence can take weeks and even then they can dismiss your application should they see fit.”

The cost of a new operator’s licence, in any case, can work out at £5,000 per lorry.

The road closure of the B424 is programmed to start on November 28, to last for 13 weeks.

The work is needed to repair the Victorian Storesbrook Bridge, near Staplow.

Heavy loads from WSH Logistics tend to head that way because the railway bridge at Ledbury, on the Bromyard Road/Hereford Road junction is so low.