One of the occupants of flats in Manvers House in Trowbridge has complained to Wiltshire Council about the main entrance being blocked during improvement works.

Mike Smith, who lives in a second-floor flat, said council contractors blocked the entrance with a barrier for several days while working on the Manvers Street improvement project.

Mr Smith, a maintenance engineer, said: “The main entrance to Manvers House has been blocked with barriers inside and out to allow the new pavement to be done on Manvers Street.

“There has been no notice of these intended works at any point. Royal Mail and delivery services are also supposed to have access to this door.

“There are 27 flats in this building that need access to this door at all times as it is one of two fire exits.

“They have unblocked it now but there are still roadworks going on outside. They working until midnight.

“It was blocked for three or four days from November 3 until the weekend. I think they unblocked it on Saturday.

“They sent out lots of letters to say about the roadworks but there was no letter whatsoever to say that the front door was going to be blocked.

“There was a lot of people that couldn’t get their mail and their parcels and the Royal Mail had a few difficulties delivering.

“I understand that the pavements have got to be done and the work has got to be carried out but I just think that there is a better way of going about it.”

“Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for highways said, “All occupants were sent a letter when Phase three of the Future High Street Fund works began, informing them about the works.

“Access to Manvers House via the front door was impacted for one day in October while paving slabs were laid in front of the door.

“A traffic management officer was positioned by the door during the works advising people who wanted to come in and out of the property to use the rear entrance.

“Royal Mail and all deliveries were permitted during the work and the traffic management officer assisted to ensure all deliveries required took place.

“We were not made aware of access concerns at the time of undertaking the works, and those working on delivering the project have been proactive in managing access arrangements throughout the delivery of works in the Town Centre.”