Businesses fume as completion of new Crewe pathway delayed with road reopening pushed back
Businesses on High Street in Crewe have expressed their frustration, as the completion of a new footway/cycleway scheme has been delayed again, with the road's reopening pushed back.
Works on The Southern Gateway Link, connecting High Street with Forge Street for pedestrians and cyclists, started on June 10, 2024, with an initial target completion of March 2025.
In order for the works to be completed, High Street has been closed from Cross Street to Vernon Way since, with parking restricted to one side of the road.
The works, targeted to be finished by June 10, have been knocked back until August 31 at the latest, due to "unforeseen ground conditions" uncovered - much to the discontent of local businesses.
Owner of Ice & Fire Studios, Meg Luan, told Nub News: "The road closure delays have caused a lot of issues for businesses trying to grow down High Street.
"With limited access, clients are unable to park close by, as well as staff having to park miles away.
"Deliveries are also delayed due to access issues. As a new business we would like footfall, however due to how the road looks at the top, due to no place to put bins out of site and the road closure, this is impossible.
"Honestly it has taken just under a year to build essentially a 'posh' pathway, when it was meant to be done by March this year.
"The workers always finish by 2pm, they never do a full day's work.
"I am happy they are trying to improve the look of Crewe and I will be happy when it is done, however not sticking to time frames is not acceptable.
"I am wondering whether the businesses down here will be compensated for loss of business."
Works on The Southern Gateway Link include new street lighting, trees, shrubs and other features, such as a rain garden between Forge Street and High Street, as well as improved signage.
The existing footpath connecting High Street with Vernon Way is also being widened, with the road set to be resurfaced.
Owner of The Arena, Lawrence Thomason, said: "We are excited and positive about the impact the eventual throughway will have on High Street.
"But, it has been incredibly damaging for business and challenging for deliveries and operating our day-to-day business for the last 12 months of construction."
The Southern Gateway Link is being funded by the Government's Future High Streets Fund programme, with highway improvements already completed on Vernon Way and Mill Street.
A Cheshire East Highways spokesperson told Nub News: "The closure of High Street in Crewe is part of the Southern Gateway project and has been extended due to unforeseen ground conditions uncovered during the works.
"While the permit allows for the road to remain closed until the end of August, this is a worst-case scenario, and the road may open sooner.
"We understand the concerns of local businesses and are committed to supporting them.
"The closure is located beyond the section where businesses operate, so customer access is not affected.
"Signs are in place to let people know businesses are trading as usual, and we're working closely with those affected to help minimise disruption.
"For more information about Crewe's Southern Gateway project visit: Southern Gateway Link."
READ MORE: Crewe shop and takeaway hit with two-star food hygiene ratings.
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