Roadworks are 'nail in the coffin' say fed-up Wolverhampton traders

Long-running gas works in Worcester Street have started and will see disruption lasting 17 weeks, which includes surrounding roads being closed off.

Businesses are also concerned about the long-term prosperity of the area given that the city’s market will be moved to a new home near the Wulfrun Centre at the end of this year.

Mike Brookes, who owns One Way Music in Salop Street, said firms were not properly consulted about the roadworks and that cones were placed outside his shop days before any work was carried out.

He said: "They put cones outside my shop last week when there was no work taking place.

"I understand that these works have to be done but why don't they use some common sense? Where is the logic in putting cones out before work has commenced?

"We had a letter to say the works were going to take place but that is not what I consider a consultation. There was no chance to reply before the decision was made.

"There are big concerns about trade as the works will stop people coming into this area. People often pull up outside my shop to load up heavy items."

He added: "This is a forgotten area. The market move is going to have a massive impact.

"Yes there is going to be a development in several years' time but there won't be anyone left here by then.

"The roadworks are yet another nail in the coffin for this part of the city."

Harry Akhtar, the co-owner of Azra Ladies Wearin Worcester Street, asked why the roadworks could not be done at night.

He said: "Previously we've had scaffolding up as part of other works that affected business as people weren't sure whether this street was open. Then we're having the market move which is another knock-on effect.

"Footfall isn't great as it is, so why can't the works be done at night when its quiet and there no traffic so that it doesn't impact our business?"

Wolverhampton council have earmarked the area of the city for a £55million 'Westside' regeneration scheme, with work to start next year.

The project includes a 12-screen cinema, restaurants, 100-bed hotel hotel and car park.

A second phase is for more than 300 homes and 50,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space. Works on this section of the development are likely to be completed in 2022.

Steve Murray, who heads up Cadent’s gas mains replacement programme in the West Midlands region, said: “Our job is to connect people to the energy they use. We’re upgrading these gas pipes so local people can continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies for decades to come.

“We will do our best to minimise any inconvenience caused by our works. While there may be short-term disruption, the work will bring-long benefits to people living and working in Worcester Street.

“We would urge people to bear with us while we carry out this essential project.”

The current roadworks in Worcester Street are part of an ongoing programme to future-proof Wolverhampton’s gas network.

The first phase includes a lane closure at the junction of Cleveland Street and Victoria Street with no vehicle access into Cleveland Passage from Cleveland Street.

A second phase will see Worcester Street closed between Pitt Street and Temple Street. To minimise disruption this work will take place during a weekend.

And in a third phase there will be a lane closure on Worcester Street, between Little Brickkiln Street and the Penn Road Island.