Road closure 'killing' trade according to Camborne business owners
The closure has been described as "essential" and a diversion route in place for vehicles
A road closure in Camborne, which has stopped traffic coming through the town’s main street, is causing 'another nail in the coffin' for shops.
Local businesses have contacted us to say a combination of planned work and road closures in the town is 'killing' business.
Gas main work on the A3047 began on 7 January and is due to carry on until 29 January. Diversions are in place during that time to route vehicles around the suburbs and away from town centre shops.
Martin Hughes is chair of BID Camborne and the owner of MRH Saddler in Trelowarren Street.
He said: "Businesses are dead. Passing trade is vital and we’re seeing a huge drop in shopper numbers. Times are hard enough for retail businesses as it is, without a prolonged closure like this putting another nail in our coffin.
"We’re calling for the closure period to be shortened or lifted during business trading hours as the current level of restriction is trebling journey times and costing us dearly."
Councillor John Morgan is County Councillor for Camborne West and a BID Camborne director.
He said: "I got an email telling me the closure was going to happen a few days before it started and responded straight away to say cutting off the town to vehicle access would have financial repercussions for traders.
"I understand that work has to be done but making decisions like this without consulting those affected and working out a mutually acceptable plan of action beforehand is not right."
Wales & West Utilities Programme Controller for Camborne, Abby Smith said:
"We are working in the Church Street and Commercial Street area of Camborne to upgrade the gas network. This investment is essential to keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.
"We’ve worked closely with Cornwall Council to plan these works, and to keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe while we work, we have had to close Church Street and Commercial Street to vehicles. Pedestrian access is being maintained and there is a diversion route in place for vehicles.
"We appreciate that while we’ve worked hard to keep disruption to a minimum, our work can impact on local businesses. Any local traders who feel their business has been adversely affected by our work can apply for compensation under the Gas (Street Works) Compensation for Small Businesses Regulations 1996.
"Businesses have up to three months after we have finished our work to make a claim. Business owners who feel they have been affected by our work can discuss a potential claim with our Customer Service Team."