Penryn shops 'still open for business' during ongoing roadworks
Businesses warn they've already noticed less footfall in January
Businesses in Penryn are urging people to continue to visit during ongoing roadworks.
Many warn the past month of delays has caused them to lose out on footfall.
Temporary traffic lights are currently in place on Commercial Road as South West Water work to install a new sewerage system. Works, which began in January, are expected to complete by the end of March.
Penryn businesses have issued the urgent plea that shops are 'still open for business'.
Pete Hanbrook is the owner of Sully's Framing in Penryn. He told us: "We have had a lot of roadworks and a lot done on this sewage but we want to emphasise to all the public in Cornwall that we are open for business. We are making an effort, we will deliver and collect to facilitate business going forward.
"Once people start avoiding an area, especially for the amount of time, people's habits change. It's getting that business back that you've lost."
"When the road closes normally it's for a relatively short period of time. Our biggest concern is this is going to go ahead now for three months. We're concerned that people's buying habits are going to change."
Businesses in the area say they've already noticed the impact in the first month of the closure, which alongside reduced parking on the street, has resulted in less people coming into the shops.
Peter Williams, Top Gear LTD electric bikes, said: "We've seen probably about a 70% drop in footfall."
Mandy, Top Gear LTD, said: "We need support and help and remember we're here. Come and support us."
A spokesperson from South West Water said: "We are carrying out essential work on Commercial Road B3292, Penryn. To ensure the safety of our team and the public, there will be temporary traffic lights in place on Commercial Road throughout the duration of the works which we aim to complete by the end of March.
"All businesses on Commercial Road are open as normal and access to those businesses has been maintained. However, we are advising through traffic to avoid the area and use the A39 bypass.
"We would like to thank local residents and road users for their patience."