Several businesses in a Lancashire market town have been severely affected by ongoing road works that have been going on for 18 months with no end in sight. Kirkham Tile Shop, one of the businesses, cited falling sales and reduced footfall due to the road works as reasons for closing their doors permanently. The Market Square is currently occupied by construction, affecting surrounding shops. Kirkham Pet Centre reported a significant decrease in sales, with some weeks showing up to a 40 percent drop in revenue. The completion date for the road works keeps being delayed, leading to frustration among shop owners, who feel like the situation has turned their town into a ghost town.
One of the shop owners, Hannah MacKenzie, highlighted the impact of road works on her business, stating that sales have plummeted by around 40 percent since the traffic lights were first installed, leading to a loss in profit due to reduced accessibility and footfall. Karen Whiting at Superdeal Hardware also expressed frustration about the ongoing works, with concerns that customers may turn elsewhere and not return. Despite completion of the road on Poulton Street, many shop owners believe that the damage has already been done, as customers have adjusted their shopping habits due to the disruption caused by the road works, leading to a potential long-term impact on local businesses.
Sheran Dean, owner of Kirkham Tile Shop, shared her decision to close down her business after decades due to the unbearable impact of the road works on her livelihood. The disruptions caused by the road works not only affected businesses but also residents who found it challenging to navigate the town. Fylde Council responded by noting that the work is nearly complete and aims to revitalize the town center to attract more visitors and business. Despite the council’s assurances, shop owners remain frustrated by the ongoing disruptions and the lack of immediate relief for their struggling businesses.
The road works also led to changes in traffic flow and parking availability in the town, affecting larger vehicles and hindering access to shops. The pavement was widened for pedestrians, but the road was narrowed, causing traffic congestion and difficulties for vehicles. Karen Whiting at Superdeal Hardware mentioned that the road works have not only impacted her business but also affected customers, especially those who are elderly or disabled, who need convenient access to shops. The frustration among shop owners and residents highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in adapting to long-term road works that disrupt their daily operations and livelihoods.
The long-term road works have forced several businesses in the Lancashire market town to shut down permanently due to significant declines in sales and footfall. The disruptions caused by ongoing construction activities have created a negative impact on local businesses, leading to frustration and concern among shop owners about the future of their livelihoods. Despite assurances from the council about the completion of the works and potential benefits to the town, the immediate impact on businesses and residents has been severe, creating a challenging environment for small businesses to survive and thrive. The road works have not only affected the physical infrastructure of the town but also the economic and social well-being of the community, casting a shadow over the future prospects for local businesses and residents.
