Local newsagent calls for more help from council as Blythe Bridge road closures dent trade
A newsagent fears he is going to put out of business by roadworks through Blythe Bridge that have wiped out much of his trade.
Ragu Krishnamoorthy only took over the shop in December last year. In January, the roadworks started, and he's been struggling to make ends meet since. They are due to carry on until May.
Mr Krishmamoorthy, owner of Lloyds Newsagents on Uttoxeter Road in Blythe Bridge, said: "It's very hard. It's difficult to pay my bills, staff wages, everything."
The council says a full road closure is necessary for the duration of the road works because of the risk involved if traffic is unable to flow freely. The authority says any congestion could increase the risk of an accident on the level crossing which cuts across the road.
Mr Krishnamoorthy said he depends on the road being open, as his customers tend to stop off on their way past to pick up shopping or to use the Post Office.
He says it's also a service which is relied upon by many elderly people in the area.
He said: "Normally this road is very busy all the time. With the road closed, the passing customers aren't coming.
"Five months is a very long time. A one-way system would be ok, I could manage with that."
For access to frontages on the east side of the railway crossing, people are only be able to use the Cheadle Road end of the works.
For access to frontages (as well as the station car park) on the west side of the railway crossing, access will only be permitted from the Grindley Lane end of the works.
It's understood pedestrian access is being maintained throughout the scheme, except for night times between 24th – 29th April 2023, where the area around the railway crossing will be completely closed off from 1pm until 6am.
There are also currently no bus services available within the closed sections.
Local campaigner Alec Sandiford has been trying to help Mr Krishnamoorthy, and feels the council should offer more help to small businesses while the roadworks are creating disruption in the area.
Mr Sandiford said: "I think they should provide financial support, in line with the cost of living packages.
"The local authority needs to be communicating, particularly with small businesses, because they provide such vital support.
"For the road closure to have to be endured on top of the cost of living crisis is just unacceptable."
Mr Sandiford believes the area's elderly population in particular is being cut off from vital services.
He said: "The demographic of the community is aging – you have a lot of loneliness issues due to people living on their own, so they miss the interaction.
"What I would like to see is someone from the local authority come out, to engage with local businesses, so they know there's a timetable and if there's a possibility of reopening the road partially to support local businesses."
Philip White, deputy leader at Staffordshire County Council said: "This is a really important highways scheme for the town worth around £980,000 which will help extend the life of the roads and footways and keep them in good condition.
"We are aware of the impact the works and temporary road closures are having on through traffic and local businesses, this is why we have been reminding people that the shops and businesses along Uttoxeter Road are very much open for business.
"As part of the campaign, crews have also installed extra signs in the area to inform people that their favourite local shops remain in operation throughout the works.
"It is more important than ever to support these businesses and ensure they can continue to thrive in the community.
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