ANGRY traders in Trowbridge fear they could go bust as a road has been closed for improvement works.
Wiltshire Council began work this week on the second phase of improvement works in Castle Street to widen pavements and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, carried out by contractors Milestone.
The work is part of town centre improvements being made with £16.3 million of cash from the government’s Future High Streets Fund.
With the first phase of improvement works at Castle Street in Trowbridge due to be completed in September, the second phase of works is expected to last up to 14 weeks until the end of November.
But some traders fear their business may not survive the closure.
Access is supposed to be maintained for businesses but Kawn Sleman, 24, owner of the Super Shiny car wash, says he has lost “99 per cent" of his trade with drivers being confronted by' road closed' signs.
“The road is open but nobody is coming. I have never seen it like this before. If it keeps going like this I will have to close.”
Matthew Brown, of The Toy Shop, said: “The next three to four months in the run-up to Christmas are critical for my business.
“If this continues, there is going to be no future in Castle Street. They are just not considering the businesses that they are affecting.”
Locksmith Bill Ellis, of The Key Shop, said: “We have had zero consultation from the council.
“I am an auto locksmith and I’m losing trade because vehicles can’t get to me.”
Mr Ellis said contractors had closed the road to all traffic and barriers had been put up in front of some shop fronts.
Jane Wilcox, owner of Alpha Taxis, said: “Journeys are just taking forever. My drivers are sat in traffic for up to an hour, which means they are not earning anything.
“They are earning less income, and there’s less revenue coming into the office. Some of our customers are disappearing because they are fed up waiting.”
Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "We are aware there were some issues yesterday morning and as a result have made some small changes to the traffic management arrangements.
"The physical closure point has been moved beyond the car wash, so that vehicles can get in to Castle Street from Market Street and back out via Castle Street/Fore Street without having to pass any closure point. We will keep this in place for as long as possible, until works start in that area.
“During the works, the left turn ban from Market Street to Castle Street has been revoked and drivers will be directed into Castle Street from Market Street for access to businesses. The permanent signing for the left-turn prohibition has been covered up.
“We are committed to working closely with businesses and residents of Castle Street to minimise the disruption caused by the works.
"All properties have been provided contact details of those overseeing the works in order to raise any concerns about access, deliveries etc. The clerk of works is also on site daily to assist with any concerns and queries in person.
“It is usual with any change in temporary traffic management to experience some disruption particularly on the first day, but it is expected that this will ease as drivers become aware of the change and the way to access businesses etc.
"We will put further messages out via Wiltshire Council’s social media channels to remind local people that businesses are open as usual and can be accessed.”
To find out more, click here.
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