Wicker Hill works: Traders share concern as they say business falls

Drivers say that journeys across Trowbridge are taking up to four times as long because of the diversions resulting from the closure of Wicker Hill for improvement works.

Small independent traders say the road closure is having a significant impact on their sales and are calling for 'businesses open as usual' signs to be installed.

Tony Pinto, owner of the Intermezzo sandwich bar outside the Fore Street entrance to The Shires shopping centre said: "As soon as they shut the road last week, the footfall went right down.

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Tony Pinto of Intermezzo says his sales have slumped since Wicker Hill was closed to traffic. (Image: John Baker)

"I still have my regulars but some people are just avoiding the town centre. Sometimes, you don't see anyone in the street."

Muhammed Ashref, of the New E-gadgets shop in Fore Street, added: "Sales have gone right down by less than half. People not bothering to come into the town centre."

Muhammed Ashref from New E-Gadgets on Fore Street (Image: Newsquest)

Bill Ellis, of the Key Shop in Castle Street, said some people are staying away because they fear being caught up in traffic congestion.

Staff at the British Heart Foundation charity shop in Fore Street added: "People are not allowed to stop and bring in donations so that has not helped. It is definitely affecting our trade significantly."

Bill Ellis, of The Key Shop in Castle Street, says the road closure is killing trade as people stay away. Image: Trevor Porter 77064-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Ben Cooper, manager of the Sportsbug shop in Fore Street, said he has had a problem with deliveries.

Ben Clinch, of Kingstons Estate Agents, said that due to the traffic congestion some clients have cancelled appointments.

Ben Cooper, manager of the Sportsbug shop, said they have experienced problems with deliveries, with some being missed because of the road closure. (Image: John Baker)

At the Dorothy House Hospice furniture shop, deputy manager Kimberley Collins has put up signs and flags to help draw in shoppers.

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She said: "It is affecting footfall and our donations. We can see its impact in our figures. Since they closed Wicker Hill, it has just got worse."

Kimberley Collins has put up signs and flags outside the Dorothy House Hospice furniture shop to show they are still open as usual. (Image: John Baker)

Angry drivers sitting in traffic queues during the peak periods have been left fuming at the time it is taking to make their way through the town centre.

The problem is likely to last for at least another three months as the second phase of the Future High Street Fund improvement works that began in May are unlikely to complete until late summer.

Diversions for improvement works in Trowbridge are causing traffic delays and congestion across the town centre. Image: Trevor Porter 77062-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Drivers claim the works are creating major traffic problems during the school runs, particularly on The Halve, Union Street, Timbrell Street, Hilperton Road, West Ashton Road and County Way.

One said: “It has quadrupled journey times. Everything from the east side of town heading west is funnelled down Hilperton Road and County Way.”

Trowbridge Town Council leader, Cllr Stewart Palmen said: “These works are causing some traffic delays in town but are progressing well.

“Unfortunately, traffic from Seymour and Sainsbury’s through town now takes you to Union Street then The Halve and that is causing some tailbacks at peak time."

Diversions for improvement works in Trowbridge are causing traffic delays and congestion across the town centre. Image: Trevor Porter 77062-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Wiltshire Council says temporary traffic management is being used to ensure safe access is maintained for people, businesses, residents and the contractor Milestone Infrastructure.

Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for highways, street scene and flooding, said: "We recognise that the closure of a well-used road will cause displacement to traffic, and this will inevitably place additional pressure on the local roads during peak periods. The impact of the additional traffic continues to be monitored.

“Our contractor is working hard to minimise disruption as far as possible throughout these improvement works. 

"Businesses open as usual signs have been in place in various locations around the town centre including at Castle Street and Church Street since the beginning of the works. Additional signs have also been placed at Conigre and Fore Street.”