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19
Feb
Harrogate shop appeals for support after roadworks devastate business
The owners of an independent shop in Harrogate have appealed for support from customers after unannounced roadworks devastated trade this week.
Four-way traffic lights were installed directly outside Shine, on King's Road, yesterday (February 18).
The roadworks eliminated nearby parking and made the gifts and jewellery shop more difficult for pedestrians to access.
Owners Natalie and Neil Inger said they weren't informed of the roadworks and were later told that the staff member responsible for notifying businesses about the work was absent due to illness.
The work, which is affecting other traders on King's Road, is expected to last three days.
Natalie and Neil Inger, owners of Shine
Ms Inger told the Stray Ferret the shop had experienced a significant decline in footfall since the roadworks began.
She said:
We have not had a soul in all afternoon. Every little thing counts when you’re a small business.
Ms Inger said many neighbouring shops had closed early due to the lack of footfall and she wanted to let people know they were still open, and appealed for support.
She said it was important to support independent shops outside Harrogate town centre and that clearer communication and better planning could have reduced the impact.
She said:
We should be cherishing little outlets and independent businesses in the suburbs.
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