MP puts stop to roadworks (From Stroud News and Journal)

MP puts stop to roadworks

STROUD MP David Drew has intervened to prevent a disastrous Christmas for Nailsworth traders, after roadworks caused sales to nose-dive by up to 75 per cent.

This year's problems began on Monday, November 14, when contractors for Gloucestershire County Council began building a pedestrian crossing on the A46.

It was the third year running that business owners had been affected by roadworks and despite appealing to transport chiefs at GCC, they were told that nothing could be done until the project was due to finish on Friday, December 16.

Kerry Greenhall, owner of new gift shop Just Because in Market Street, said she was devastated to see sales drop in her third week of business. "My first week was excellent and my next week was good, but last week sales dropped by 50 per cent," she said.

"Obviously you expect trade to rise before Christmas, not fall. Some of the long-standing businesses lost thousands."

But after she and other traders contacted him with their concerns, Mr Drew got in touch with GCC, who agreed that work will stop next week and restart in January.

And Ursula WoollsCORRECT, who owns gift shop Fandango in Fountain Street, said she was delighted to learn the situation had been resolved.

"It's fantastic that it's been sorted out so quickly," she said. "So many people were put off by the utter chaos. Obviously the pedestrian crossing is something the town needs long term, but in the short term we just need to get Christmas out of the way so we'll still be here next year instead of having a crossing and no shops.

"You elect these people and it's great to see them come to the fore when you need them."

Mr Drew said: "I am pleased to be able to report that the initial stage of this important repair and enhancement work will be concluded at the end of the month. I hope that this is the best way forward."