Traders take action (From Stroud News and Journal)

Traders take action

FEISTY traders have stopped workmen from carryng out road alterations at Brimscombe because they fear the work could force their shops to close.

Karen Marks of Furley's newsagents which has been trading on Brimscombe corner for more than 30 years brought contractors to a halt when she removed traffic cones which were cordoning off the area.

And fellow shop owner Chris Conboy parked his van across the road which had been marked out for work to begin.

"It is an absolute nightmare," said Ms Marks."I told the workmen that they were not going to start anything outside my shop. I was really angry."

She claimed contractors were set to take away six parking spaces in a measure to make the busy lay-by more accessible for pedestrians to cross although officials have said only two spaces will now be lost.

The workmen accepted her passionate plea and left her to contact project manager Ben Walker at Gloucestershire County Council.

"I was furious but Mr Walker was helpful and the work has so far been postponed.

"If this goes ahead we will lose money hand over fist. The majority of our trade is from passing motorists and what with roadworks at both ends of the valley it has become increasingly difficult," added Ms Marks.

Contractors are currently putting in a traffic light crossing on the busy main Brimscombe to Chalford road to enable pedestrians to cross safely over the road to the shops.

A walkway will then go around the bus shelter and down onto the lay-by to the shops. "We have never had an accident in this lay-by so we have no need for these measures," said Ms Marks.

Mick Cook who runs the Brimscombe Take Away next to Furley's said: "Taking these spaces away would be a disaster."

Chris Conboy , owner of The Corner Cupboard antiques shop said: "If spaces are taken away it will damage trade. This is a busy lay-by and most of the time it is full of vehicles."

An on site visit by Gloucestershire County Council to discuss the lay-by will take place on Wednesday, February 26.