Derbyshire shopkeepers 'struggle to survive a loss in trade' as pedestrianisation scheme delayed
Shopkeepers in Clay Cross say they may struggle to survive a loss in trade after construction barriers reduced passing footfall for town centre pedestrianisation works which show no sign of starting.
The Heras fencing and green netting were laid out along Market Street on January 12 for engineering work which was due to begin two days later – but businesses on the road have seen no activity since while their takings fall with every passing day.
David Jones, who has run Clay Cross DIY for 38 years with his wife Anne, said: “They came and put these cages up on either side of the road, covered them with nylon netting which limits the view into all the shop windows.
“We knew the work was happening but they never said anything about putting up cages. Now they’ve left them there while there’s been no progress whatsoever – no machinery, no workmen, nothing.”
He added: “We have a ten-metre window and we’ve always kept it very well decorated. People driving up Bridge Street towards us can’t see the shop. If you’re sat in the café on the opposite side of the road, you can’t see us.
“It’s already reduced our takings 30-40 per cent and we’re just coming into what should be our busiest three months of the year. We’ve been successful for a long time but that’s an impact we’ll find difficult to sustain.
“Everybody along the street is saying exactly the same, and I don’t know if all those businesses will be able to cope.”
The long-awaited pedestrianisation scheme is part of the Clay Cross Town Deal, overseen by North East Derbyshire District Council.
Though David expects an improved retail environment to benefit the local economy in the long run, the work to get there was expected to take around six months even if everything went to schedule.
The rerouting of traffic has already contributed to gridlock on local roads and confidence is fading that things will flow more smoothly any time soon.
David said: “I’ve complained to the project manager’s office, I’ve spoken to the chief engineer, and no one can tell me when this is actually going to start.
“I suggested they take the barriers down while nothing is happening, or at least get rid of the netting, but for some reason they don’t think that’s a good idea.
“The sooner they get on with it, the sooner they’ll finish it but one has to wonder, if we can lose a month as easily as this, how long the development is going to go on for.”
A spokesperson for NEDDC said: “We are aware of the concerns raised by Clay Cross DIY regarding progress on Market Street. We have already raised these concerns with the contractor responsible for the works and continue to monitor the situation closely. We will take further action if progress does not improve.
“The council remains in regular contact with local businesses during the regeneration works and will continue to support and inform them throughout the project, with appropriate signage and social media postings confirming that the businesses are open as usual.”