Church St West: Roadworks update

Following an exchange last night on Twitter, I was very pleased today to have arranged a conversation with John Byron, project Co-ordinator for United Utilities regarding the long running issue with the closure of Church Street in the Town Centre. John kindly gave up 45 minutes of his day to provide further details into the issues around the project, and for this I am grateful. This is a long and detailed blog, which hopefully will clarify some issues that have been rumbling for months.

The road works themselves are expected to “realistically” be completed in June. John talked about encountering difficulties on the embankment works which has caused delays, and until the excavation allows them to learn the state of the brick sewer beneath the road, they cannot be any more specific in regards to completion. I raised the very important point of the carnival parade, which is due to pass through Church St on the 6th June. As this year marks the 50th Anniversary, it is even more important the route can go ahead as planned. John reassured me that this is very much a priority, and he is due to meet the Carnival Committee next week to keep them informed on progress. The alternative route along Dale Street is also likely to be blocked by the bus station works in June, putting even more importance on the availability of Church St.

On the contractors working extended hours to complete as quickly as possible, John said that United Utilities were putting as much pressure on as is realistic for this to occur. However, there are limitations to what can be done at weekends due to getting materials in and out of the site, and that not all works that have gone on to date have been visible from street level. I asked John to pass on the concerns of residents and businesses that the contractors are held to account on this as much as possible to speed things up.

I then asked about what was being done to help ease the horrendous traffic problems the closure has caused. It is fact that people are now actively avoiding the town, especially at peak times due to the traffic. This is having a knock on effect for every business in the centre. Buses are running less frequently due to tailbacks, and accessibility for those reliant on public transport is massively reduced.  John informed me that United Utilities funded the rephasing of the traffic lights as well as the installation of the right turn filter onto Spring Lane, and also some other improvement works to the surrounding roads. He is well aware having travelled to and from site at all times of day just how bad things are, but there is little else they can do.

I then raised concerns from traders regarding compensation for loss of earnings. John was happy to clarify the position. By law, United Utilities are liable for loss of profits during the time the road is closed. the company bases their judgement by looking at takings so during the 20 weeks before works started, and then review the figures on a monthly basis to show the impact. Clearly, the figures must go to United Utilities for this to happen. They will also look at the annual accounts to see how profits have been affected. Ultimately they will decide whether loss of profit is down to the economic downturn or the impact of site works. Whilst this is the correct way, I do feel there are large margins for disagreement here.

United Utilities will argue that there is still vehicular access to the majority of shops, and that there should be responsibility taken by buisness owners to mitigate their losses by varying opening hours and using alternative advertising streams, but this will only go so far to limit the damage that lack of footfall is causing. It is fact that despite road access to the majority of the town centre, people are actively avoiding the gridlock and therefore the reduction in passing trade is significant. I can only encourage all business owners to provide as much detail as possible to John and his team in order to provide the best chance of receiving the correct level of compensation.

Finally,  a plea to ALL who live or work in or near Radcliffe Town Centre. Please do what you can in the coming weeks and months to shop locallyand support our small businesses. Now more than ever do they need our help. It could make a big difference to many people’s futures. As ever, please feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions, either here or by Twitter.

Matt.

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