‘Shop local’ plea as traders count cost of works on North …

Highways bosses have drafted in extra crews with teams now working Sundays to finish roadworks along a busy North Staffordshire road. And council leaders are urging shoppers to support the businesses impacted by the ongoing closure of Uttoxeter Road in Blythe Bridge.[1] Meanwhile business owners in the area have told StokeonTrentLive they have been left counting the cost of the maintenance scheme on the A521. As previously reported[2] Staffordshire County Council has closed part of Uttoxeter Road - between its junction with Cheadle Road and the bottom end of Grindley Lane - until May 17.

The local authority[3] say the GBP980,000 improvement works cover road resurfacing along with drainage and kerbing repairs. Now the council has extended the working week to include Sundays in an effort to ensure the work is completed as quickly as possible. Businesses along the impacted stretch remain open.

The council says the full road closure is necessary due to a level crossing. Network Rail safety guidelines do not permit temporary traffic signals near to a level crossing. But businesses in the area say the works have been putting customers off - as council leaders urge residents to support the traders.

Paul Stevenson is depot manager at Milton Garden Products. The 56-year-old said: "We've lost passing trade because the road's closed. Gardening picks up in March and we've lost trade.

"It's a problem when vehicles come in for deliveries, it makes it difficult to get in.

They said they're on target for May 17, and I ask them every week. "We're open for business as usual. The communication has been fine, not a problem with that."

Sardar Sadiq, owner of Izmir barbers, said: "Saturday is usually a busy day and there's no one here. That started when they started work."On Sunday I would do ten people, now maybe one or two people. What can I do?

Nothing." The county council says the road is due to reopen on May 17 and has reminded residents that businesses in the area along with Forsbrook are open as usual and is 'urging people to shop local and support the local economy.'Highways workers have also put up extra road signs to let shoppers know 'their favourite shops and eateries remain open as usual.'A spokesperson said: "Additional highways teams have been drafted in to get the job done as quickly as possible. "Though standard workdays had been Monday to Saturday, this has extended to Sundays as the teams pull out all the stops.

In addition, gas repairs are taking place at the same time to avoid future disruption."

"A full closure of Uttoxeter Road has been necessary due to the close proximity of the level crossing. The team has had to keep to Network Rail safety guidelines, which did not allow temporary signals in the area. "Improvements include road resurfacing, drainage and kerbing repairs, with an investment of GBP980,000."

Deputy leader Philip White said: "We want people to know that businesses in Blythe Bridge and Forsbrook are very much open for business and would urge people to support them particularly while this essential work takes place. "We understand and sympathise with business owners at this time. They can be assured that the project team has done all it can to minimise disruption, with extra effort being made to get the job done as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, a full closure of the road was the only option. "We'd now urge both residents and people travelling in the area to support these local businesses impacted by the works. They play a vital role in their communities as a service and as employers.

With everyone's support they can continue to thrive." Van driver rammed into three ex-girlfriends' homes in one night[5] Ex-teaching assistant kept videos of himself abusing dog in sick stash[6]

Son's heartbreak as yobs 'target mum's grave' at Stoke-on-Trent cemetery[7]

Nightmare tenants kicked out for making neighbours' lives a misery[8]

City centre crackdown as 118 shoplifters BANNED from Hanley[9]

References

1. ^ Blythe Bridge. (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
2. ^ As previously reported (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
3. ^ The local authority (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
4. ^ Newsagent struggling to pay bills and staff after roadworks decimate his trade (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
5. ^ Van driver rammed into three ex-girlfriends' homes in one night (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
6. ^ Ex-teaching assistant kept videos of himself abusing dog in sick stash (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
7. ^ Son's heartbreak as yobs 'target mum's grave' at Stoke-on-Trent cemetery (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
8. ^ Nightmare tenants kicked out for making neighbours' lives a misery (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
9. ^ City centre crackdown as 118 shoplifters BANNED from Hanley (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)