A One Bermuda Alliance MP has criticised the Government for ignoring improvements suggested by residents as works start on a Southampton road.

Linda Smith, the Shadow Minister of Public Works and Environment, also criticised the Public Works Department for giving only Church Road notice of the works one day before they began.

She said the work did not include any improvements requested by residents, such as traffic controls, safety improvements and fixing crumbling roads.

Ms Smith said: “These are issues that residents in the area have been asking government to deal with for over five years.”

She added: “It is unfortunate, however, this abrupt announcement of work on Church Road seems indicative of a lack of planning and consideration of the residents and road users’ requests and requirements.

“Perhaps there could be a reconsideration of the timing and the nature of the work required, as well as consultation with the area, so that concerns of the residents and road users can be appropriately addressed.”

The roadwork, which is expected to continue until June 19, focused on paving and fixing potholes and will result in rolling single-lane closures.

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment advised of the roadworks on Monday afternoon.

Ms Smith recognised there were “many other roads” with much larger potholes than those found on Church Road.

She called it “disappointing” that residents’ concerns were ignored.

Ms Smith added that a lot of commercial traffic used Church Road, which, when combined with speeding vehicles, posed a danger to residents and vulnerable pedestrians.

She explained that Church Road was home to two nursery schools, Port Royal Primary School, Southampton Post Officer and St Anne’s Church.

She added that because Port Royal School was holding its school fair on Friday, it would be complicated by Church Road’s lane closure, reduced parking and the roadworks.

Ms Smith said: “Certainly, it would be much better if road works could take place during the school break.”

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment has been contacted for a response.