Tamworth Blog

BP Garage Cordoned Off Yesterday - Pic: Debbie

The two males arrested regarding the suspect package found in Tamworth on Monday have been charged.

Jonathan Cunningham (dob 27/7/82) of Greenheart, Tamworth, and a 16-year-old boy from Tamworth have both been charged with possessing an explosive substance in suspicious circumstances.

They remain in police custody and are due to appear before magistrates in Tamworth this morning (Wed).

Inspector Emma Griffiths, from Tamworth police, said:

“We’d like to re-iterate our thanks to local residents and business for their patience and co-operation. Incidents like this are extremely rare but we’d always encourage anyone who witnesses anything suspicious to contact Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Traffic Cones - Pic: Ian Britton

Glascote Road is to receive a much needed revamp wtih Staffordshire County Council spending some £700k on resurfacing the road and improving the drainage system on the stretch through Glascote.

The disruption will see the stretch between Marlborough Way roundabout and Abbey Road being resurfaced and improved over a 18 week period begginning on February 1.

The drainage system improvements which will see some 200 metres of piping replaced is hoped to relieve the flooding which occurs in the area during heavy rain.

The main work will see Temporary Traffic lights used, with side streets periodically closed to reduce congestion.  A diversion will also be in place utilising the A5 bypass.

Busses will continue to use their usual routes and schedule, likewise businesses and homes in the area will still have access to their properties.

Local county councillor Michael Oates said:

“This is a first class scheme which will have a positive impact on the area for many years to come. The drainage system has struggled to cope when we have had heavy downpours in the past so this investment will be a big boost to the area.

“The B5000 is one of Tamworth’s busiest routes and is used by thousands of motorists every day. However, in the short term we do understand that the work to improve the stretch of road may inconvenience people and would like to apologise for that in advance.”

The final stage of the construction will see the stretch between Marlborough Way and Dumolows road closed due to it being a narrow carriageway.  All traffic will be diverted along the A5 bypass and busses will be diverted along Dumolows lane.