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17
Jun
Frustrated Leeds Road traders count the cost of ongoing roadworks
Many local Harrogate businesses have voiced their concerns about the impact of the prolonged roadworks on Leeds Road.
The works, which are being overseen by Northern Powergrid, are expected to last until July 6.
The Stray Ferret today (June 17) spoke with business owners on Leeds Road, to see how the maintenance has affected them.
Sally Lumsden, owner of Folk Coffee House, said it was damaging her company:
It’s so quiet along here compared to how it normally is. The parking bays have been taken out and that’s key to the parade.
At this time normally the shop would be full, post-school drop off. But the knock-on effect of all the traffic is that unless you’re giving yourself an extra half an hour then you’ve not got time to come here.
We’re not completely dead but I’d say we’re about 20-25% down. I have to say the local community are really trying to support us whenever they can.
Ms Lumsden has tried to make light of the situation - making the roadworks look "prettier".
She received an email from Northern Powergrid, saying works would last for approximately five weeks from May 19. However, North Yorkshire Council have said they will likely last until early July.
Ms Lumsden added traffic signs around town advising people to stay clear of Leeds Road were further affecting footfall.
'No consultation'
Michelle Mohindra, owner of Coco Tanning and Beauty salon, said there was no prior consultation with businesses.
She added there had been no offer of any compensation or reduced business rates.
Signs put up by North Yorkshire Council suggested that suspension of the parking bays on Leeds Road would be lifted by yesterday (June 16).
However, the suspension continued, as did the roadworks, this morning. The council said “an extension has been requested with our parking services until June 25”.
There was also no one on site this morning, suggesting the work had been paused.
Ian Bainbridge, postmaster at the Leeds Road Post Office, said the lack of parking spaces was affecting his business:
I think they could have left some of the parking bays free really. They’ve just suspended the whole lot which is affecting all of us very badly.
It’s affected deliveries, the collection of mail, and customers collecting parcels. Some customers are having to carry very heavy parcels a long way.
Empty shops
When we went into the Post Office, there was one customer in there. Mr Bainbridge said there are often queues outside the door.
He added takings were at least 50% down. Faye Rourke, owner of the gift shop Send It With Love, said the same.
Kyran Longster, team leader of the Co-op, estimated it was losing around £3,000 a day.
Around £300 of that was from wasted food at the end of the day, which would usually be picked up by customers shopping in the reduced section.
Many of the business owners voiced concerns about the ease of access for the emergency services, too, who at present may struggle to get to an emergency on the high street.
We have contacted Northern Powergrid, but at the time of publication we are yet to receive a response.
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