Roadworks drive local traders' shoppers away (From Stroud News and Journal)

Roadworks drive local traders' shoppers away

TRADERS on London Road in Chalford claim their businesses are suffering badly because of roadworks right outside their shops.

Work for the new 19-home Chalford Gate housing development has angered nearby shop owners who say customers are being deterred by the disruption.

Peter Nankivell, 57, managing director of Chalford Chairs, said: "It has been as dead as a doornail - we have not had a customer for a fortnight.

"It is getting more and more difficult. People come along, see the queue of traffic and off they go.

"They said they are going to be there for at least another two weeks. It is a worrying situation because I have a staff of 10 to pay.

"It is very frustrating."

Neighbour Hugh Tuckey from the Mixed Monkey flower and gift shop also said he had to fetch his deliveries from the Aston Down airfield because lorries could not get to the store.

"It stops our customers from coming in - it puts them off," he said.

"It is really inconvenient for people to get in and out of the parking area we both use.

"The problem is we are dealing with fresh flowers so if no customers come in we have to throw our stock away. It is a double whammy."

A spokesman from developers Cotswold Gate told the SNJ the work was vital to connect the new houses to the water network and would be finished "as soon as possible", but he could not specify a date.