Oxford business owner wants ‘to move out of Cowley Road’ amid three-month works
Maintenance works on Cowley Road, in Oxford are due to last until 11 April 2025
An Oxford business owner on Cowley Road is telling us that he ‘wants to move out of Cowley Road’ as essential maintenance works are set to last around three months.
Oxfordshire County Council are starting extensive repairs to pavements and installing additional drainage, which is due to continue until 11 April 2025.
However, the council says that date “is subject to any bad weather or unforeseen circumstances”.
“I’m not paying myself a wage"
Shivan Bercho, 43, owner of Greece Greek Taverna, said: “I’m starting to think about selling the restaurant, finding a different location and different work – just want to move out of Cowley Road.”
He added: “All of Cowley Road is businesses and restaurants, so without people walking in they won’t survive for long and most of them are already struggling.”
Mr Bercho tells us his business started to struggle when Low Traffic Neighbourhood’s (LTN’s) were introduced to Cowley Road and that this could be the final nail in the coffin.
He says, “I’m not paying myself a wage and I’m just paying the staff.
“I’m spending my savings, and I’ve nearly spent most of it. Now, I’m going to be struggling for the next few months and that will be absolute disaster.”
He added: “It’s very bad because there is not enough work or income. Even for staff it’s hard for them to come to work and to find staff. It’s not just me, there’s a lot of businesses around here that has complaints about this.”
"Traffic disruption will be kept to a minimum"
The work will take place on stretches of Cowley Road between Union Street and Divinity Road.
The County Council says, “we are also investigating opportunities for localised kerb line adjustments to improve transport conditions and altering necessary street furniture where appropriate.”
A spokesperson for the council said: “Road traffic disruption will be kept to a minimum. The work will be carried out in localised areas utilising signage and barriers.
“Contractors will ensure that affected properties are communicated with directly in advance of any major disruption and throughout the work in their vicinity.
“There may be some noise disruption during these operations, although the contractor has been asked to keep this to a minimum.
“They will also be able to direct pedestrians to ensure the safety of the public and workforce during working hours.
“We ask that people give them their full support and heed their advice, whether they are a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist.”