Hull Businesses Criticise Freetown Way Closure

Businesses in Hull say closing the city's busiest junction this weekend will result in a big fall in trade.

The junction linking Freetown Way, Spring Bank, Beverley Road and Ferensway will be completely closed to traffic for 14 hours on Sunday.

It's as Hull City Council carry out the final phase of road improvement works.

Rod Toward who runs a bike shop on Spring Bank and says business has been down ever since the upgrade work started in mid-January.

He fears the situation will be even worse this weekend and is expecting a big reduction in takings. He told Viking FM:

"We are worried about the amount of trade that is going to be cut off coming into the shop on Sunday but also the works that have been leading up to this, it's certainly had a negative effect. Traffic queues outside have been terrible, access has not been good and people don't want to spend the amount of time in the traffic to come into the shop and this is only going to get worse come Sunday.

"We've already been getting feedback from customers when they're in about the amount of time it's taken to get here. In a way it's taken the edge off coming into a nice shop so people are already disgruntled before they've even walked in the door because it's taken so long to get in.

"If people realise that the roads are going to be closed then why would you bother coming to the shop? I think there may be others who don't realise the area is closed who will get caught up and not know how to get to the shop, therefore a loss of business there.

"The bottom line is how much money you are turning over and so if that's going to effect us, whether that's 20%, 50% or more, we won't know until Sunday but it definitely is takings that's going to be an issue."

A council spokesperson told us a full road closure is necessary and has been timed to avoid busier periods during the week. They said:

"This is the final phase of the improvement works to the Freetown Way/Beverley Road junction.

"It is important this road surface is replaced and the only way we can do this quickly and safely, is under a full road closure. “Affected businesses and residents in the area have been notified and signed diversions will be in place.

"I would like to apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused, but once complete there will be noticeable improvements for both motorists and pedestrians alike."

Signed diversions will be in place on Sunday and the council is advising motorists to plan an alternative route and give extra time for their journey.

Diversions include:

· Fountain Road, Bridlington Avenue, Charles Street and Freetown Way. · Wincolmee, Lincoln Street, St Silas, Main Street, Fountain Road, Bridlington Avenue and Fountain Road. · Anlaby Road, Walton Street and Spring Bank West. · Princes Avenue and Queens Road. · Spencer Street, Prospect Street and Wright Street.