THE ORGANISERS of Stroud Goodwill were shocked to find road works blocking the High Street the day before the event.

Gloucestershire Highways, which authorised the works to allow utilities to be installed for apartments, have since apologised for the clash.

Event co-ordinator Clare Gerbrands, said: “I was very surprised when I first saw them digging up the road on Thursday because I had already sent them details of all the road closures three weeks ago.

“More than anything we were worried about people slipping on the metal covers during the Venetian procession.

“When you are very conscientious of fulfilling your obligations as an event co-ordinator this sort of thing is really disappointing.

“It meant we had to reconsider all the safety aspects of the procession, which is unnecessary stress when you are organising an event like Goodwill.”

An added blow came when the Shambles market had to cancel a festive stall opposite the works because contractors had piled equipment to allow for safe access.

In a statement given to the SNJ on Thursday, a spokesman for Gloucestershire Highways said: “We realise that Stroud's Goodwill Evening is taking place tomorrow night, and apologise for the clash. We have spoken to the builders, who have assured us that they will have everything cleared up and will have made safe any openings in the pavement or road by plating them over ahead of the Goodwill Evening beginning. This should mean that pedestrian access is not affected by these ongoing works."