Road to ruin for local businesses

04 March 2010

Roadworks that shopkeepers say have been dragging on for too long

ANGRY Harold Hill shopkeepers have accused Havering Council of dragging their heels over roadworks outside of the shopping centre.

The traders based in Hilldene Avenue, claim that they have lost out on passing trade since Farnham Road and Hilldene Avenue has been blocked off to cars.

Owner of Flower Girls florist, Val Wallace said: "We all thought it was going to be done in 14 weeks but it seems that the council is just dragging their heels over the whole thing.

"All of the shop keepers are just furious because there is no one driving past the shops."

Back in December the traders received letters about the plans for the installation of parking bays outside of the shops.

Work started on the site in early January and the top of Farnham Road and part of Hilldene Avenue has been closed off to cars, with a walk way being created for pedestrians while work is underway.

Shopkeeper Barret Patel claims that his business has been cut by almost half since the road works started.

He said: "My business has been really bad and every day I am left with a whole bulk of newspapers.

"Although the council let us know when the work was going to start they did not tell us they were going to close off part of the road."

The roadworks are to install additional parking bays outside of Hilldene Avenue making it easier for shoppers coming into the centre. Once the work is complete, work is also set to start on installing the bays on the other side of the road.

Val said: "I have campaigned for them to put in these parking bays 15 years ago so I am finally relieved that they are doing it, but it is taking too long."

Owner of Comet Carpets, Steve Bird believes that he is one of only a few businesses in Harold Hill that has not been affected by the works.

He said: "Most of the people that come to our store have to make a special journey so luckily we do no depend on passing trade, but if we did it would have had a really bad affect on business."

Cllr Steven Kelly, deputy leader of the council, said: "Eighty six per-cent of residents of Harold Hill told us that as part of the multi-million pound Ambitions programme they would like significant improvements to Hilldene shopping centre.

"This is a considerable investment in the future of the shopping centre and one that will help maintain it as a destination for local shoppers for many years to come.