Call for better signage 'before further valuable revenue is lost'

Local businesses are calling for better signage to be installed whilst the safety improvements are being carried out to the railway bridge, to minimise the impact on their trade.

Emma Mason, Business Development Manager at The Bubble Room Bar and Restaurant, said "Whilst we completely understand that the works and subsequent delays were unavoidable and no ones fault- we do feel that it is the councils responsibility to ensure as minimal impact on businesses as possible."

She added "We feel that the road closure and subsequent diversion signage is completely insufficient. There is no clear diversion which would direct people into the village – infact, it actively diverts people away down the bypass! Just stating "Businesses open as usual" is pointless unless there is an active official diversion which is signed.

"The Village as a result has been extremely quiet – not only are businesses losing out on passing trade – they are also potentially losing out on regular customers because of the confusing signage."

Frank Young, Branch Manager at Waitrose, said "Firstly I have to say that comms prior to the works being carried out were good and therefore allowed us to plan for the potential impact. However I was under the impression that the mentioned diversion routes included on the resident's flyers would be better signposted for those who were visiting the area or commute through the village.

"We are in peak holiday season so a downfall in footfall is expected, however last week and this week have seen our first decline in customers versus last year so far in 2018. We are around 15% down in terms of footfall versus a normal week (5% we would normally attribute to holiday season) so 10% potentially due to the effect of the closure.

"This would equate to approx 1000 customers per week less coming in to either the village / store."

He added "I believe more signage has gone up to show that the road is closed if you travel from the Wilmslow A34 direction but diversion notices are not abundantly clear. This includes the one showing a 'diversion / Business as usual' that is at the roundabout near the Merlin pub.

"We are concerned that the current delay of approx 10 days will further affect trade / profitability."

Writing to Councillor Craig Browne, Emma Mason said "With the project looking to last another few weeks – we would ask that you look to arrange to have the signage reviewed and rectified at the soonest opportunity before further valuable revenue is lost."

I do share the frustration of both businesses and residents, which I am sure has been heightened by the apparent inactivity on the bridge over the last two days. Engineers from Cadent Gas completed the repairs to the gas pipe on Wednesday afternoon and were supposed to be followed immediately onto site by engineers from United Utilities, to repair the leaking water pipe. Until this has happened, CE Highways engineers are unable to resume work on the road and footpath.

Councillor Craig Browne said "The official diversion route is intended to take HGVs along the bypass and discourage them from using local roads through the village. Whilst I understand the concerns expressed by some of the village traders, local roads such as Davey Lane and Chorley Hall Lane are already struggling to cope with the increased volume of traffic; highlighting these two roads as an official diversion route would be likely to make this situation worse (many residents have already written to me to complain).

"The "Businesses Open as Usual" signs were added at my request, as I recognised the likely impact on trade as a result of a prolonged bridge closure. I have also asked for temporary signs advising drivers to slow down on the two roads mentioned; these signs have been promised, but are yet to arrive. I will raise the businesses' concerns with the Project Manager at CE Highways, but it will be up to his judgement (as an engineer) whether it is feasible or safe to create a second official diversion route using the aforementioned roads."