Two years of road closures, sinkholes, and failed repairs have left Wisbech residents frustrated and fed up. Barton Road, Wisbech, a vital local artery, has been out of action since 2023 after sewer damage during work on a new care home. Steve Barclay, MP for North East Cambridgeshire, is stepping in to demand accountability, hosting a public meeting at the Queen Mary Centre on Wednesday, 8 October, at 6:30 pm.
“I’ve compiled a full chronology so residents can see exactly what’s happened,” Barclay said. “We’ll be asking for transparency, urgency, and real progress on site.”
From Care Home Plans to Road Closure Nightmare
The trouble began with a planning application in 2019 for a 100-bed care home, followed by a 66-bed revision in 2021. Work began in April 2022, but the first major problem struck on 21 April 2023, when sewer damage prompted an emergency road closure approved by Cambridgeshire County Council.
Since then, repairs have repeatedly stalled. Poor ground conditions, bad weather, and engineering failures have led to sinkholes, subsidence, and even a burst water main in 2024. Multiple subcontractors have been replaced, and the developer eventually handed control of the site to Anglian Water’s @one Alliance in August 2025. Cambridgeshire County Council extended the road-closure permit to March 2026.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Impact on Daily Life
Local residents say the long-term closure has wreaked havoc. Traffic diversions have forced vehicles onto narrow, poorly lit side roads — including Station Road, Cox’s Lane, and Magazine Lane — which are now riddled with potholes. Families complain about lost time, extra fuel costs, and worries about structural damage to their homes from heavy HGVs.
One resident said: “Around 170 of us packed the Queen Mary Centre last time, but it was frustrating. Anglian Water showed up, but no one from Highways attended. We deserve better communication and real answers.”
Cllr Diane Cutler said her understanding of the first meeting was that county councillor Andy Osborn arranged it with Anglian Water and they then invited Cambridgeshire County Council to attend.
“The way I see it is inviting someone to attend is somewhat different to informing them that attendance is of paramount importance. As Steve Barclay pointed out it is for our county councillors to ensure that officers from CCC attend, it is not Anglian Water’s responsibility to get CCC to attend a meeting. The meeting should not have gone ahead without CCC officers confirming that they would be attending.
“I am not willing to leave this to chance for the reconvene meeting so I’ve written to the Chief Executive of CCC outlining the importance and reasons why they need to attend the meeting. The date for a meeting must be agreed by both Anglian Water and CCC when appropriate officers from both authorities can attend. And not just a date set and an invite from Anglian Water sent to CCC. It is unacceptable that a meeting is held without the attendance of CCC because residents of my FDC ward deserve answers to their many questions.”
A History of Failures
Barclay’s timeline reads like a catalogue of missteps:
- April 2023: Sewer damaged during connection works; first emergency closure approved.
- June 2023 – Feb 2024: Developer revises plans multiple times; temporary works and dewatering attempts fail.
- Aug – Sep 2024: New damaged pipe section discovered; subcontractor contract terminated.
- Nov 2024: Sinkhole appears; Anglian Water orders work to stop.
- Jan – Apr 2025: Further closures as repairs continue to fail.
- Aug 2025: Anglian Water assumes full control; closure extended to March 2026.
Stakeholders Under Pressure
The upcoming meeting will include representatives from Anglian Water, Cambridgeshire County Council, LNT Care Developments, and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. Barclay says the goal is to clarify outstanding issues, including the potential for weekend or extended work, traffic management, and alternative bus routes.
Residents have raised concerns about slow progress, poor communication, and the lack of a joined-up approach, Barclay said. What was needed were concrete timelines and actions, not excuses.
Looking Ahead: Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel?
While the original sewer upgrade was intended for 40 homes, the developer has since gone bust, leaving just six homes and the care home affected. Residents report that they can still use their existing facilities, but frustration over delays and lack of visible work remains high.
With two years of disruption already endured, residents are clear on their message: they want Barton Road reopened — safely, quickly, and with transparent communication every step of the way.
(NB: This article was amended on October 6th to clarify and expand on the comments from the original article by local ward councillor Diane Cutler)
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