SHOPKEEPERS in Hoylake say trade is suffering as resurfacing work on the town's main road continues.
Work began on August 12 and was expected to take ten days, but more than two weeks later temporary traffic lights are still in place while tarmac is replaced.
The resurfacing has a had a mixed reaction from traders in the town.
Below: work underway
Andy Whitby, managing director of RA England Upholstery, told the Globe: "It's a necessary evil and if it has to be done it has to be done.
"But why can’t the work be done at night? Should never have been allowed to do it in the daytime.
"It's had a really bad effect on business."
Andy Whitby
Anne Williams (pictured, below), owner of Three Sisters Fruit and Veg in Mark: “It’s awful; I just can’t believe they have taken so long to do it.
“They set up at about 9.30am and are gone by 2pm.
“Why don’t they work until it gets dark?
Below: work underway
“Who’s going to come to Hoylake when this work is going on, plus there’s nowhere to park. We can’t even display stuff outside the shop, because of the dust from the road works.
“It’s been really bad for business and am so annoyed with it. I’ve lost so much money. It’s just ridiculous.
“No-one’s been in from the council to ask how we’re doing.
“This road along Market Street is fine. I can think of roads in a lot worse condition.”
Anne Williams
Elaine Roberts, owner of the fishmongers said: “The shop has been here for ever and these road works are having a terrible effect on business.
“It’s been really bad, it was perfect, there was no disruption at all, they start it, then they go away, then come back when they want.
“People don’t know about it you see, and then the people that do won’t come through.
“We may as well just close, there’s no way people can park so what’s the point?”
Elaine Roberts
Tony Chrisp, 62, does voluntary work and lives in Hoylake: “It’s never been this bad, but the work needs to be done quick.
“I use the shops on a weekly basis and I can see the affect the work’s having on the shops in the town.”
Tony Chrisp
Peter Gevvie, works in Vapes says: “In the last two weeks there has been a slide in the number of people coming in. I’d say there’s been a 30 to 40% drop.
“I think it does need to be done, because some of the road’s in a bit of a mess.
"It is noticeable to me."
Peter Grevvie
Kristel Lang, manager of Age UK Hoylake, says: “It’s greatly effecting my business, the tills were down this week, it’s been awful slow.
“Saturday is normally one of our busiest days but there was just no body about. I do it myself, what I do is go down the prom and I cut through.
“You’ll find most people in this area will do that too, people who don’t know the area, won’t do that.
“So it was bad, we have lost an awful lot this month, us and West Kirby are the same from the roadworks.
“Even all the café's down the road are quiet, it’s effected everyone, we’re all trying to do different things to make money.
"I just don't know why they don't do it at night?
"I understand it has to be done - the road has to be done but not in the height of summer, surely they could've come up with something better than that, I don't care.
"They're staying out the way and to be honest I don't blame them."
“To be quite frank, how there hasn’t been an accident I don’t know.”
Kristel Lang
Only notified by letter, the traders say they are left in the dark about when the work will be completed.
Speaking before the job has begun, Wirral Council cabinet member for HIghways Cllr Stuart Whittingham said: “Major roadworks can cause traffic tailbacks, but resurfacing works – particularly along key routes - are essential to keep the carriageways in the best possible condition.
"While we always try to minimise disruption by ensuring works are well planned and co-ordinated, there are times when inconvenience is impossible to avoid.
Below: work underway
"At this time of year, contractors who have to work near or outside schools will often use this opportunity to do works as there is less school-related traffic.
"Contractors may also take advantage of the longer days and spells of good weather to speed up progress on works and keep disruption at a minimum.
"We know delays are frustrating but I hope that people appreciate that important repairs and maintenance work has to take place."
Wonder if anyone at @WirralCouncil has seen the mess & disruption being caused by the roadworks in #Hoylake?
— Paul Barber (@barbs_paul) August 25, 2016
If you have encountered problems with the Hoylake road works email us here: craig.manning@nqnw.co.uk
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