BUSINESS owners in Bromsgrove have expressed major concerns over the impacts on footfall and custom along the high street due to six month long improvement works over the summer.
A handful of businesses have contacted the Standard to air ‘frustrations’ around the detrimental effects on their trade levels and customer experience as a result of the loud and disruptive works.
They also want to make residents aware they will be trading as normal during the construction.
To carry out the works, Bromsgrove High Street will be closed in the eastbound direction from Monday to Friday for 26 weeks, with works beginning on Monday, April 15.
Worcestershire County Council (WCC) and Bromsgrove District Council will deliver the project together with plans to improve paving, drainage, and install new trees, cycle parking and benches.
Sarah Turner, 44, owner of Mad Hatters Tea Room, fears the impacts on her business as a sole trader. She believes the works have come at the worst time of year possible.
She told the Standard: “This will have a very big impact on many businesses, especially in summer. People will be put off from coming down the high street. They’ll go elsewhere.
“I was excited about having new outdoor furniture, now with all the digging I won’t even be able to have the door open.”
Sarah also expressed concerns for her frequent disabled customers. She worries their journey will be greatly impacted or disrupted all together.
David Clifford, 63, owner of Cafe Morso – situated opposite Sarah’s cafe – has a dim but somewhat hopeful outlook on the works.
When contacting the Standard he expressed similar concerns, with fears visitors will be ‘reluctant’ to walk down the high street.
He said: “Works of this magnitude are going to impact everyone. I’m hopeful it will introduce more customers to us in the future but it’s a shame they’e chosen the summer to do it.”
Although the business owners are worried about the works, they are ultimately ‘hopeful’ the improvements will lead to increased footfall and a better high street in the future.
A Spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said, “As the highway authority we have a duty to maintain the public highway.
“Improvements of this kind are also shown to improve footfall and economic activity, although we recognise it can be inconvenient.
“In advance of the works, we liaised with all businesses who are directly impacted and continue to engage to try and assist wherever possible.”
A diversion route will be in place for road users whilst the works are carried out.
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High Street to close to eastbound traffic for 26 weeks due to improvement works
