A MOTORIST has hit out at contractors after his car suffered a blown tyre caused by sharp debris in the road at the High Street roadworks site in Winsford.

Michael Macy believes the jagged piece of iron found lodged in his wheel was part of the old central reservation railings, removed as part of the Dene Drive junction widening.

The Winsford resident was travelling home at 8pm after visiting relatives on July 2, when his car suffered the blow out.

“Suddenly there was a terrible noise and the car veered to one side,” said Michael.

“The front tyre was completely flat as a consequence of a large piece of metal.

“As it is a new car, it does not come with a spare, and when the foam inflator was unsuccessful, we had to be recovered by Green Flag and taken back to our house on the back of a wagon.”

Cheshire West and Chester (CWAC) Highways passed his complaints to Eric Wright Civil Engineering, which is carrying out the work.

Mr Macy said he received ‘quick, curt response’ from CWAC saying that the case was closed and that it was not their responsibility’.

After sending another letter, Michael said he was still waiting.

“I am not going to debate about whether the new junction is a good idea, whether the roadworks have been and continue to be a nightmare.

“I live and shop in Winsford, my wife works in Winsford and we regularly travel around the town.

“I have never seen a road sweeper travel through the road works or a worker sweep up on the road side.

“The barriers are higgledy piggledy, and cones are erratically placed.

“I realise that this is a major roadwork but surely the contractors have a responsibility to maintain the upkeep of the remaining roads and keep them debris free and clean?

“Imagine the damage this could have caused to a motorcyclist.”

Responding to the Guardian, Adrian Taylor, director at Eric Wright Civil Engineering, said: “We take our commitment to public welfare extremely seriously and pride ourselves on excellent health and safety records.

“We have successfully achieved a merit award in the British Safety Council’s assessment programme and our work has also been recognised by the Considerate Constructor scheme, which demonstrates our commitment to safety and care in the communities in which we operate.

“We are investigating this incident and will be sure to liaise directly with Mr Macey to resolve the matter.”