Roadworks hit local business
Lisa Hodge • Published 12 Nov 2010 14:00
AN angry businessman claims his takings are down by 70 per cent because of roadworks on his doorstep which have been hit by massive delays.
Gordon MacLeod says his carpet shop business is suffering after the road outside was dug up and left in disarray.
Road bosses Amey have been undertaking work on the A78 in Greenock to revert it to two-way traffic.
But they were forced to postpone a resurfacing project on Inverkip Street - where Gordon's shop is situated - due to atrocious weather conditions. The job still isn't complete.
Gordon says the fact the work has dragged on longer than expected has had a devastating impact on his business.
He added: "This work was only supposed to last three weeks, but it's fallen well behind. It has totally disrupted my business and I've sat and watched as my trade has fallen by 70 per cent."
Amey chiefs say a Business Impact Assessment was carried out during the planning of the works, and they are making sure access is available to local firms for deliveries.
Gordon's business was one of the worst-hit during the flash flooding in September and he says the roadworks have come as another blow.
He added: "I had to replace the flooring in my shop after the floods because it was so badly damaged, and now this. My new floor has been trampled with oil and tar so I'll probably have to replace it again. It costs about £400 each time."
The road improvements are part of a £145,000 scheme to end the one-way system and diversion put in place some years ago due to a railway bridge on Inverkip Street being unable to safely cope with increasing volumes of traffic.
The bridge has since been replaced and the Inverkip Street work, along with the newly-installed South Street roundabout, means the diversion will no longer be needed.
It will also remove trunk road traffic from Nelson Street.
A spokesperson for Amey said: "We understand the sensitivities involved with working in the heart of a community and we have worked hard during the design and planning of this vital scheme to consult with a wide range of individuals and organisations representing Greenock, as well as local businesses.
"Our commitment to working with the community remains critical to this project and will continue throughout the construction period."
Weather permitting, the footpath improvements should be completed next week.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 12 Nov 10
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