A road closure in Camborne has stopped traffic coming through the town’s main street and is killing trade, according to local business owners.
Gas main work on the A3047 began on 7 January and is due to carry on until 29 January. Diversions are in place during that time that route vehicles around the suburbs and away from town centre shops.
Martin Hughes is chair of BID Camborne and the owner of MRH Saddler in Trelowarren Street.
He said: “Businesses are dead. Passing trade is vital and we’re seeing a huge drop in shopper numbers. Times are hard enough for retail businesses as it is, without a prolonged closure like this putting another nail in our coffin.
“We’re calling for the closure period to be shortened or lifted during business trading hours as the current level of restriction is trebling journey times and costing us dearly.”
Councillor John Morgan is County Councillor for Camborne West and a BID Camborne director. He said: “I got an email telling me the closure was going to happen a few days before it started and responded straight away to say cutting off the town to vehicle access would have financial repercussions for traders.
“I understand that work has to be done but making decisions like this without consulting those affected and working out a mutually acceptable plan of action beforehand is not right.”
Martin Hughes believes the closure impact endorses BID Camborne’s opposition to Cornwall Council’s initial proposals to change traffic flow in the town, as part of Town Deal funding.
“We knew reducing parking spaces and introducing measures to deter people from using their cars would have a damaging effect, as the current situation proves,” he said. “Thankfully, the council says it has listened to us and we’re looking forward to seeing their revised plans shortly.”