Shop owners on Quay Road in Bridlington have appealed to shoppers to carry on using their businesses – despite rows of barriers outside their premises.
After the main road was closed for several weeks due to cable laying works, businesses are now contending with the pavement areas being dug up in front of their shops and parking restrictions.
Though Quay Road is now fully open to vehicles, businesses from the hand car wash to the junction of Havelock Street have been affected with barriers placed in front of their premises – though small walkways and access points have been created – one business owner said that trade has ‘dropped of a cliff.’
Yvonne Hewitt, who owns the Garden of Eden greengrocers has said that trade was down by 90% and it just wasn’t financially viable to keep open during the road closure during Septembers and until 4th October. But a double hit to trade came when the pavement works commenced and created more access issues.
“It has been absolutely horrendous. All the other traders on Quay Road are in the same position, with many just shutting up shop.
“Business in general is tough anyway, but this could be the final nail in the coffin.”said Yvonne.
“We are still open, but we were never even consulted about the road closure or the pavement works, we just had letter from ERYC saying that roadworks would be carried out.”
Caroline from Milners Bakery also contacted The Echo.
She said: “With all the disruption it’s causing small businesses a lot of stress.
“If they would come round and advise us on work and what it involves we could then decide if it would be easier to close and give staff holidays.
The council (are at) fault too as they’ve given the firms (at a cost to them) permits to close roads off. Yet they can’t write or phone us on the plan of action.”
ERYC have been contacted for comment.
